Obono-Obla Condemns Natasha’s Suspension, Says Senate Ignored Rule of Law

Obono-Obla Condemns Natasha’s Suspension, Says Senate Ignored Rule of Law

Former presidential aide, Okoi Obono-Obla, has criticized the suspension of embattled lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio……..READ MORE

In an interview , Obono-Obla described the suspension as excessive and unjust, arguing that it far exceeds penalties given in similar cases. He recalled that Senators Ali Ndume and Ovie Omo-Agege had previously been suspended for 90 legislative days, yet their cases were overturned.

He stressed that the Senate should uphold principles of justice, truth, and the rule of law.

“The Senate, as part of the National Assembly, is tasked with making laws for Nigeria’s peace, stability, and governance,” he stated.

Obono-Obla referenced past incidents, noting that in 2017, Senator Mohammed Ndume was suspended for 90 legislative days for allegedly tarnishing the reputation of both Senator Dino Melaye and the Senate. However, a Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Qadiri, later ruled the suspension unlawful.

Similarly, in the case of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the court determined that, according to Senate Rules, a senator cannot be suspended for more than 14 days. Despite this, Omo-Agege was suspended for 90 days after challenging a Senate decision in court. The suspension was eventually overturned.

Obono-Obla asserted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension violates the legal action she has already initiated at the Federal High Court. He further argued that, according to Senate Rules, since the matter is sub judice (under judicial consideration), the Senate should not have discussed it in the first place.