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Senator Natasha has labeled her suspension by the Senate ‘illegal’.
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The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and opposition party say the decision of the Senate was unfair.
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The Senate disobeyed a standing order from the court, the suspension is void, says Natasha’s legal Counsel, Victor Giwa.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reacted to the suspension of a 6-months ban placed on her the the Senate.
The suspension came as a result of the face-off she had with the Senate President, God’s will Akpabio over the change of her sitting position from the second to the last row to the last row of the chamber sitting structure.
READ ALSO: Senate Recommends 6-Months Suspension for Senator Natasha
The Kogi Central senator stood against the suspension recommendation report of the Senate interrupting the plenary session yesterday. She was heard saying, “This injustice against me will not be sustained. I will fight against it.
However, the House ordered her exit and she was escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms personnel.
Teaming with her legal counsel, Victor Giwa reveals that the Committee on Ethics and Privileges acted against a court order that allegedly restrained the Senate from taking further action on the matter pending a motion on notice.
Giwa argued that the Senator has sought legal intervention therefore, her suspension is void until the court decides otherwise.
“The suspension is void, it cannot even take any effect. The suspension is illegal because there is a court order that restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking further action.
The committee disobeyed a valid court order that was served on them, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law,” Giwa said.
Similarly, Kogi reports reacted to the decision of the Senate through a report published on their page entitled, “Natasha’s Suspension: Can We Conclude Nigeria Senate Has No Regards For Court Orders?”
The report argued that the court has given clear directives on the Natasha vs Akpabio case. Insisted that the court had ordered the committee to stay away from the matter, as it was already pending in court.
It further revealed that the blatant disregard for a court order by the Senate raises questions about the integrity and ethics of the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee. It also calls into question whether their actions are worthy of emulation.
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The Nigeria Bar Association and other opposition parties have also frowned at the decision of the Senate, stating that the suspension recommendation against her did not follow legal orders.
Seven Point recommendation of the Senate against Senator Natasha
- The Senate does suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of Senate standing rules bringing public opprobrium to the entire House.
- The suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will take effect from March 6, 2025, banning her from all legislative activities.
- That Senator Natasha will tender a written apology to the Senate before her suspension will be reconsidered by the House to either reduce or lift it.
- Senator Natasha’s office will be locked during the period of her suspension and she will hand over all Senate materials and properties to the clerk of the House.
- Senator Natasha will not be seen or found within the National Assembly, including her staff.
- That her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, are suspended, and that all security details assigned to her be withdrawn for the period of her suspension.
- The Senator Natasha is barred from all forms of representing herself locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The report was signed by all fourteen (14) members of the committee against Natasha and was presented on the floor of the red chamber by the Committee Chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South).
Will Natasha succeed in her battle against the senate or is it another wild goose chase?
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