NBA Women Forum Questions Fairness In Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension

Legal experts criticize Senate’s decision, call for due process

The Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, has raised concerns over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, questioning the fairness of the process. Speaking in an interview with Punch, Muhammad emphasized that the senator deserved a fair hearing before such a drastic decision was taken.

She expressed worries that the Senate’s actions seemed like an act of intimidation, suggesting that the proper legal procedures were not followed.

“To start with, I will say on the suspension, we are all lawyers and would like to see fairness across the board. We know the allegation is very big, and he who asserts must prove, so we will want her to prove the allegations and we expect fairness in it,” Muhammad stated.

Concerns Over Due Process and Justice

Muhammad strongly criticized the role of Senate President Godswill Akpabio in the matter, arguing that he should have stepped aside to ensure an impartial process.

“I see her suspension as a kind of intimidation; you cannot be a judge in your own court. If something affects you, step aside and let justice take its course because we need to see fairness,” she remarked.

She further stated that suspending the senator was not the right solution, stressing that legal principles should have guided the process. “We, as citizens, would like to see a fair level ground for everybody. She is alleging and proving, and peradventure she is unable to prove what she has alleged, she knows what would come to her. We are in a democracy, suspension is not the answer,” she noted.

Governor Fubara Appoints Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi as New Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University

Key Questions Raised on Senate’s Actions

The NBA Women Forum chairperson posed critical questions regarding the procedure followed before the senator’s suspension. She asked:

• Was the senator given an opportunity to defend herself?
• Did the committee call her before suspending her?
• If she was not called, what criteria were used to justify the suspension?

Muhammad emphasized the importance of public perception, warning that the Senate’s decision could set a dangerous precedent. “Those who suspended her should know there are people out there watching, and we all want justice. The Senate is a sacred place, and what is happening right now should not be happening,” she cautioned.

Itse Sagay: Senate Should Have Allowed Courts to Decide

Supporting this viewpoint, legal luminary Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) also criticized the Senate’s decision, stating that the matter should have been left for the courts to resolve.

Sagay argued that the legislative body overstepped its boundaries, stating that justice should have been sought through legal channels rather than political maneuvers. His stance aligns with calls for a more transparent and lawful approach in handling allegations against public officials.

As debates continue, legal experts and the general public will closely monitor the unfolding situation, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and democracy.

More updates to follow as the story develops.