Gambian Lawmaker Demands Recall Of Senator Natasha From Suspension

A Gambian lawmaker, Fatoumatta Njai, has called for immediate recall of suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate following her suspension since February 2025.

Njai, who chairs the Gender and Children’s Welfare Committee of the Gambian parliament, made the appeal in a letter dated September 9, 2025, and addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Her intervention came after the Nigerian Senate barred Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming on September 4, despite the senator’s letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly stating that her six-month suspension had elapsed.

Njai described the continued suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as unlawful and excessive, saying it contravenes the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and undermines judicial authority.

“Today, it is the distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, tomorrow it could be me,” Njai wrote.

“I believe that after the six months of unlawful suspension, she must be reinstated with immediate effect.”

She recalled that on July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had ruled that suspending a lawmaker for six months was excessive.

Njai accused the Senate of flouting this judgment by preventing Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming legislative duties since July 22.

“In total disregard of its own standing orders, the Senate has now extended the unlawful suspension beyond six months,” Njai said.

“This is a total affront to the rule of law and disregard for the court ruling. The Senate should know that leadership is not about silencing voices, especially those who dare to speak truth with courage and integrity.”

She argued that Akpoti-Uduaghan represents not only her constituents in Kogi Central but also women and young people across Nigeria who look up to her for justice, transparency, and equal representation.

“As the largest country in ECOWAS, Nigeria must set a good example at the regional level,” Njai stressed.

“I firmly call on the Senate for immediate recall of the senator as I believe that justice delayed is justice denied. Senator Natasha must be allowed to resume her duties immediately without any further delay.”

LEADERSHIP recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on February 27, 2025, following a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio over a change in seating arrangements.

The upper chamber in turn accused the lawmaker of “gross misconduct” and has since resisted her return to the Red Chamber.