Blocking Natasha From Senate Is Threat To Democracy — CLO

The North-Central Zonal Coordinator of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Comrade Steve Aluko has warned that preventing suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha from resuming her duty at the National Assembly posed a threat to the survival of democracy.

Senator Akpoti-Uduagha had written to the Inspector General of Police, notifying him of her intention to resume duty and requested restoration of police details attached to her office.

However, the embattled lawmaker was barred from entering the National Assembly by security agencies on Tuesday as she attempted to resume legislative duties following a court order.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP in Jos, Plateau State capital, Aluko expressed concerns that the development further indicts the 10th National Assembly.

He argued that preventing the Kogi Central from gaining entrance into the National Assembly served individual interests rather than the nation.

Aluko also criticised the office of the Inspector General of Police, noting that despite receiving various petitions, the police failed to ensure Senator Akpoti-Uduagha’s safe resumption to duty.

The zonal CLO Coordinator further said, “Preventing her from entering the National Assembly is illegal, unconstitutional as far as the court ruled to the intent and purpose for her reinstatement.”

He stressed that no other body has the power to stop her from carrying out her constitutional duties except they have obtained another subsisting order.

Aluko further added that, “As long as they did not have it, it is part of legislative recklessness and impunity that we have seen in this country.”

He maintained that the development was also a legislative impunity against the constituency represented by the suspended lawmaker.

He advised senator Natasha not to stop at nothing untill she is allowed to effectively represent her constituency at the national Assembly.