Serap asks Akpabio to immediately respect the order of the court that directs the call of Natasha – Thage

By Ayo Kehinde

The socio-economic project for rights and liability (Serap) urged the president of the Senate Godswill Akpabio to immediately respect a sentence of the Federal High Court, directing the call of the central senator of Kogi suspended, Natasha Akpoti-Undughan.

Natasha had been suspended for six months for misconduct and violation of the Senate rules. His suspension includes the withdrawal of his salary, the security details, the blocked access to the premises of the National Assembly and identification as a senator.

Judge Binta Nyako, last Friday, canceled his suspension and ordered his immediate restoration, describing the disciplinary action by the Senate as “excessive, unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of its components”.

Judge Nyako declared the “excessive” six -month suspension and declared the provision of chapter 8 of the permanent rules of the Senate, as well as section 14 of the legislative houses, Powers & Privateges Act, as an exaggerated

The Court had underlined that the disciplinary action of the Senate was missing of constitutional validity and asked for a revision of its internal procedures to be aligned with the democratic rules and the rights of the elected representatives. Judge Nyako observed that legislators must participate in at least 161 days sitting by legislative year and stressed that the six -month suspension denied the people of the central effective representation of Kogi.

Previously, the Senate, through its president of the media committee and public affairs, Yemi Adramod, asked for public patience while awaiting the real certified copy (CTC) of the sentence. He explained that the Senate requires the CTC to correctly review the Court’s decision and decide the appropriate legal measures to be adopted.

However, reacting in a declaration published on his official account X Tuesday, Serap invited the Senate to immediately obey the Court’s Order, restore Natasha and completely restore all his legislative rights, rights and privileges.

“The president of the Senate Godswill Akpabio must immediately obey the order of the court and guarantee a regular return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Auduaghan today to the Senate or on any other day of his choice. He would never have had to be suspended in the first place. His suspension is a serious violation of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 1999 [as amended] and international treaties for human rights to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“The Senate leadership must immediately obey the order of the court, restore Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Auduaghan and fully restore all her legislative rights, rights and privileges.

“The Senate should give an example by obeying the Court’s Order, supporting the state of law and protecting the integrity of the country’s legal system,” said Serap.

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