The suspension came after the senator publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.

This move has sparked widespread protests, with activists and supporters condemning the action as an unfair violation of the senator’s rights. Akpoti-Uduaghan has since taken her case to the United Nations, seeking international support to challenge the decision.

Mass demonstrations have been organised in various parts of the country, showing solidarity with the suspended senator. Prominent legal figure, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Magaji Ito Ebrahim, has raised concerns regarding the legal implications of the suspension.

Ebrahim pointed out that it is unconstitutional to impose punishment on an individual before an investigation into the allegation has been completed. “Until the investigation is concluded, there is no way somebody will be punished for an allegation that is yet to be determined. If indeed there was an allegation and no investigation has been completed, and the individual is already being punished, that is a clear breach of her constitutional right to a fair hearing, as outlined in Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution,” he explained.

He further pointed out the importance of handling the matter with due care to protect both Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and the integrity of the system.  

--ChannelAfrica--