|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has condemned the Nigerian Senate for its constitutional overreach in the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that the move undermines democracy and the rule of law.
Former Minister of Education and civic advocate Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has condemned the Nigerian Senate’s handling of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case. Despite a court ruling by Justice Nyako affirming her right to return to the chamber, the Senate has yet to reinstate her.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year after she petitioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio over allegations of sexual harassment, a case the Senate Ethics Committee dismissed dead on arrival before investigation.
In a statement released on her official X handle on September 10, 2025, Dr. Oby accused the Senate of constitutional overreach and warned that democracy is at risk when laws become weapons and lawmakers become serial lawbreakers.
“The highest lawmaking body of our Land is leading a misadventure to destroy the rule of law and our Democracy.”
She criticised the Senate’s suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, arguing that the decision violated constitutional provisions and ignored a court ruling affirming the senator’s right to resume her duties.
Dr. Oby recalled how the Senate Ethics Committee chairperson dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, dead on arrival, before any investigation, saying it reflected a system designed to protect power rather than seek truth.
“Some people dismiss this case as an unserious personal quarrel irrelevant to suffering Nigerians. Such a view terribly misunderstands the stakes,” the memo reads. “The Akpoti-Uduaghan versus Akpabio matter reveals how those entrusted with constitutional power act with impunity.”
She expressed that the Constitution grants citizens more power than those in office. However, when the majority of citizens remain unconcerned instead of demanding accountability collectively, constitutional breaches like Senate President Akpabio’s will continue to compound and endanger all.
She stressed that the matter goes beyond an individual senator, describing it as a test of Nigeria’s democratic foundation and citizens’ collective responsibility to hold leaders accountable.
“To the Senate and Senators, rescind your unconstitutional decision immediately. Recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan without delay. End this hubris now.”
Dr. Oby also urged Nigerians to unite against what she described as a continuing constitutional assault, warning that every day without remedy chips away at the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for impunity.
