Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate for suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the action as illegal.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Falana labeled the suspension as “a clear case of legislative overreach.” He pointed out that judicial decisions, particularly those from the Court of Appeal, have invalidated such suspensions imposed by the National Assembly leadership.
Citing previous court rulings, Falana maintained that the decision to suspend the Kogi lawmaker contradicts legal precedents. “With the courts, especially the Appeal Court, having ruled against such actions, this suspension lacks legal backing,” he noted.
He called on the Senate to reverse its decision without delay to avoid bringing further disrepute to the legislative institution.
Falana also highlighted an earlier court injunction that barred the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from proceeding with its investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case.
“The Federal High Court had ordered the Senate Ethics Committee to halt its inquiry into the matter until a motion on notice was determined. In adherence to the rule of law, the Senate should have complied,” he emphasized.