The Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law (AIRL) has called on the Nigerian Senate to exercise restraint and tread cautiously regarding the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central senatorial district.
The group warned that if the matter is not properly managed, it could escalate and tarnish the Senate’s image and integrity.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Ibrahim Gamawa, AIRL argued that suspending the senator would amount to denying her constituency their right to representation.
The group urged the Senate to remain committed to its core responsibility of making laws for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians and to put an end to what it described as a “show of shame” on the Senate floor.
“The ongoing face-off between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, both on the Senate floor and on social media, is deeply concerning.
“As nonpartisan observers and advocates for integrity and the rule of law, we view this confrontation with dismay, as it has the potential to bring the hallowed chamber into disrepute.
“Suspending Senator Natasha would mean denying her constituency the right to representation. Nigerians have witnessed the recent embarrassing scenario that unfolded in the Senate, which has now led to damaging revelations in both local and international media. This is akin to ‘dancing naked in the marketplace’—an act unbefitting of one of the three arms of government.
“We call on the Senate to focus on its primary duty of lawmaking and upholding national unity, rather than engaging in unnecessary distractions.
“The 10th Senate must remember that it has a duty to protect our hard-earned democracy. If this situation continues, it may lead to further instability. We urge our distinguished senators to reflect on their roles as elected representatives and not as ordinary citizens.”
The group reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic principles and called for a swift resolution of the matter to preserve the Senate’s dignity.
