The youth wing of the Labour Party (LP) has pushed for the recall of LP member, Senator Neda Imasuen from the Senate, for his poor representation and conduct at the Senate, in light of his role in the recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the higher chamber.
The LP youths also asked the Senate to immediately rescind the Akpoti-Natasha’s suspension and reconstitute a committee to properly investigate the sexual harassment allegation against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
While the youth demanded for Senator Imasuen be recused from the reconstituted Committee, they insisted that Akpabio must present himself for investigation by an unbiased arm of government.
Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District on the platform of the Labour Party, was chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for indiscipline.
The national youth leader of the Labour Party, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, described Senator Imasuen as a non-compliant Labour Party member who was used as a willing tool to humiliate Akpoti-Uduaghan, who he described as a youthful voice in the Senate.
He condemned what he called the rascality perpetrated by the Ethics and Privilege committee led by Neda Imasuen in clear violation of an order of the court.
He wondered why the Senate panel which was set for March 11, 2025, mysteriously and hastily rescheduled its meeting for March 5, 2025.
The youth leader added that the 10th Senate is not known to have shown much urgency or speed in most of its public hearing that has direct bearing on public interest such as the amendment of the Electoral Act, security sector or economic reforms, amongst others.
Ahanaotu added “Given such a hasty decision to suspend Natasha, Senator Neda Imasuen and his subsequent posturing afterwards has no doubt left everyone in shock about his possible dislike for womenfolk, a character which may be construed as being a misogynist. To the best of our knowledge, the Labour Party is a party for social democrats with tremendous respect for the female gender and the youth alike.
It also believes so much in the principles of fair hearing, rule of law and gender parity.
“We therefore make the following demands:
The 10th Senate should immediately rescind the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and reconstitute a morally and mentally balanced committee to do proper investigative hearing of the matter to salvage the already tainted image of the 10th Senate. We demand that Senator Neda Imasuen be recused from the reconstituted Committee.
“The Nigerians Youths are by this statement calling on the people of Edo South to immediately commence a recall process for Senator Neda Imasuen for his poor representation and conduct at the Senate. On the matter concerning the distinguished Senator Natasha, it has been observed that Senator Imasuen has not satisfactorily applied internationally accepted principles of fair hearing in making recommendations which lead to the controversial suspension of distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to save the face of Nigeria in the Committee of Nations by speaking up against the humiliation suffered by the female genda in the Nigerian politics of which his wife as a serving Senator in the 9th Assembly also faced. Mr President must ensure that his government work to preserve the democratic principles of fairness and rule of law.
“The Nigerians Youths are also demanding that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio must present himself for investigation by an unbiased arm of government. He cannot continue to use his privilege position to frustrate the call for justice by the victim, Senator Natasha. A situation where one man will be a judge in his own matter like Senator Akpabio did must be denounced and condemned,” he said.
