NBA Chieftain Slams Senate Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension

The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Nigerian Senate has sparked fresh debate over legality and fairness. Former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Publicity Secretary, Douglas Ogbankwa, has described the move as an act of “double standards.”

                               

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Ogbankwa argued that the suspension was unconstitutional and violated due process.

The Controversy

• On March 6, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central was suspended for six months following a heated altercation in the Senate chamber.

• She was accused of breaching Senate rules and engaging in disrespectful conduct.

• Natasha, however, has challenged the decision in court, arguing that both her rights and those of her constituents were infringed.

Ogbankwa criticized the Senate’s action, insisting that legislators acted improperly while the senator’s case was still before the courts.

Key points from his remarks:

• Suspending Natasha while her legal challenge was ongoing amounted to double standards.

• The Senate, in his view, lacks constitutional authority to suspend an elected representative.

• Even if her behavior was questionable, her punishment should have followed lawful procedures, not political discretion.

“One thing that is important is to follow the sequence of events. Both parties have been in arbitration to the law one way or the other. While she was still in court, the Senate proceeded to pronounce the suspension on her. As far as I’m concerned, that is double standards,” Ogbankwa said.

This clash raises critical questions about the balance of power between the legislature and the judiciary. It also touches on the rights of constituents who lose representation when a senator is suspended.

For many observers, Natasha’s case could set a precedent on how far the Senate can go in disciplining its members without breaching constitutional limits.