Adeyanju condemns suspension of Natasha, describes as ‘blatant violation of rights’

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, in a statement on Thursday via his official Facebook handle, condemned the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a blatant violation of her rights and an affront to democratic principles.

Adeyanju expressed deep sadness over the suspension, emphasizing that even if the allegations against Akpoti are deemed frivolous, the Senate still has an obligation to investigate them thoroughly.

He also stressed that Senator Godswill Akpabio, who faces allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate remarks, must be allowed to face the Senate committee and defend himself.

The human rights lawyer criticized the chairman of the Ethics Committee for presiding over the investigation against Akpoti despite publicly defending Akpabio just days before the inquiry.

Adeyanju described this as a clear conflict of interest and called for Akpabio to step aside to allow for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Adeyanju also pointed out that neither Akpoti nor Akpabio were allowed to appear before the committee for a proper investigation, which he said mirrors the troubling practices seen in Nigeria’s electoral system.

He emphasized that the absence of a fair investigation and the rush to conclusions send a dangerous message to the youth, teaching them that accountability and integrity are negotiable.

Adeyanju has urged Akpoti to challenge her suspension in court, encouraging her to resist attempts to silence, bully, harass, and intimidate her.

He emphasized that the Senate has no right to suspend her, as she was elected through the same democratic process as many of the Senate members.