A Win for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, But Justice Is Not Yet Complete.

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) have received with great relief and satisfaction the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate. This ruling is not just a legal victory—it is a powerful and long-overdue affirmation of democratic values, constitutional rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC, described the suspension as ‘politically motivated and vindictive’. It was a blatant misuse of legislative authority aimed at silencing a dissenting voice. He commended the court for restoring fairness, accountability, and sanity to legislative processes.

The Federal High Court, under the firm and principled judgment of Justice Binta Nyako, made it clear that even the legislature, despite its constitutionally guaranteed autonomy, must not act arbitrarily. Power must never be used as a weapon to silence critics or shield the powerful from scrutiny. The suspension, the court affirmed, was excessive and unconstitutional—it directly violated the rights of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents, who were denied representation for half a year.

However, as significant as this ruling is, Mr. Nwanguma emphasized that this cannot be the end of the matter.

The more serious and unresolved issue remains the sexual harassment allegation brought by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the deeply flawed and biased process through which the Senate handled her petition. Denying her a fair hearing while the accused remained seated as presiding officer is both constitutionally offensive and morally reprehensible.

This situation reflects a systemic failure and sends a chilling message to women and whistleblowers across the country—that when powerful men are involved, truth and justice can be sidelined. RULAAC demands that the judiciary act swiftly on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s pending lawsuit. Sexual misconduct, especially within Nigeria’s highest legislative chamber, must be treated with utmost seriousness and transparency.

RULAAC also condemns the ₦5 million fine imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over a Facebook post—an act clearly intended to punish and silence her, even as her allegations remain uninvestigated. This pattern of retaliation against whistleblowers must stop.

Let us be clear: Nigeria cannot claim to be a democracy while state institutions are weaponized against those who speak truth to power, and while the political elite are shielded from scrutiny and accountability.

RULAAC’s Demands Are as Follows:

1. Immediate compliance with the court’s order reinstating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate.
2. Urgent and fair hearing of her sexual harassment lawsuit.
3. An independent investigation into the conduct of the Senate leadership regarding the handling of her petition.
4. A firm public commitment from the Senate to uphold transparency, fairness, and protection for all members—especially from abuse or political retaliation.

Anything short of these actions would constitute a betrayal of democratic principles and signal that the legislature itself is complicit in abuse and impunity.

In conclusion, RULAAC commends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her courage, resilience, and refusal to be silenced. Her stand is not just for herself, but for every Nigerian who believes in justice, equality, and accountability.

Okechukwu Nwanguma

Executive Director