Ezekwesili Tells Senate To Reinstate Natasha And Respect Kogi Voters

Former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili has urged the Nigerian Senate to correct its actions after the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was illegal and deprived the people of Kogi Central of their right to representation.

This follows a judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, who declared that the Senate’s six-month suspension of the senator was both unconstitutional and unlawful. The judge pointed out that the lengthy suspension essentially denied Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents any voice in the Senate for almost the entire legislative calendar, calling it an unjustifiable punishment.

The court also advised the Senate to take another look at its disciplinary rules, which failed to set clear boundaries on how long a lawmaker can be suspended. The ruling drew attention to the potential misuse of legislative powers and how such actions can harm the democratic process.

In response to the judgment, Ezekwesili took to social media to congratulate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for standing firm and securing a legal victory. She also called on the Senate to immediately correct the injustice by restoring the senator to her seat and ensuring that her constituents are no longer sidelined in national matters.

Ezekwesili described the senator’s resilience as inspiring and said the judgment was not just about one lawmaker, but about defending the rights of citizens who trusted her with their votes. She noted that democracy thrives only when those in power follow the law and respect institutions that safeguard public interest.

The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan had sparked widespread criticism, with many seeing it as a political move aimed at silencing opposition voices. The ruling has now been seen by many as a win for democratic accountability and the power of the judiciary to check legislative excess.

With pressure now mounting on the Senate to act swiftly, political observers say how the lawmakers respond will be a key test of their commitment to the rule of law and fair representation. For the people of Kogi Central, the focus is now on seeing their voice restored in the Senate chamber where it had been missing for months.