Nigeria Senate’s Suspension of Senator Uduaghan Sparks Outrage, Says Pat Utomi
posted 12th March 2025
Nigerian Senate’s Suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Sparks Outrage, Says Professor Pat Utomi
LAGOS – The recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate has ignited fierce criticism, with prominent Nigerian educator and politician Professor Pat Utomi labelling the decision a travesty of justice and a glaring symptom of deeper national woes. In a scathing rebuke, Utomi argued that the Senate’s handling of the matter exposes a troubling disregard for democracy, fair process, and the rule of law.
The controversy stems from the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Rather than launching a thorough investigation into the claims, the Senate swiftly moved to bar her from office, a decision Utomi condemned as both hypocritical and shortsighted.
“I have seen some reactions to criticisms of the conduct of the Senate on Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Utomi wrote. “First, Akpabio himself and Dino Melaye, on conduct worse than they have accused her of, did not get the so-called sanction.” He pointed to what he perceives as a double standard within the chamber, noting that past incidents involving the Senate President and former Senator Melaye—both of whom faced accusations of misconduct—did not result in similar punitive measures.
Utomi’s critique went beyond personal inconsistencies, framing the episode as a distraction from Nigeria’s pressing challenges. “Secondly, Nigeria is facing such economic and institutional reform challenges that the matter is evidence of fiddling while the place burnt, like Nero,” he asserted. With the country grappling with a faltering economy and crumbling institutions, he argued that the Senate’s focus on internal squabbles is a dereliction of duty at a time when leadership is desperately needed.
The process leading to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension also drew Utomi’s ire. “Third, the impunity of not exhausting fair hearing in rushing through a Kangaroo court makes a mockery of democracy,” he said. He accused the Senate of bypassing due process, suggesting that the hasty decision resembled a sham trial rather than a legitimate disciplinary action. This, he warned, undermines the democratic principles the institution is meant to uphold.
Further stoking his indignation, Utomi highlighted the Senate’s apparent disregard for legal precedent. “Fourthly, the impunity in assuming they are her employers and ignoring court rulings on suspension of members of the National Assembly makes one wonder if the rule of law carries any weight in Nigeria,” he remarked. Nigerian courts have previously ruled against the arbitrary suspension of elected lawmakers, yet the Senate’s actions suggest a willingness to flout such judgements.
Perhaps most poignantly, Utomi questioned the broader implications for representation. “Fifthly, how can they deny Kogi Central voters representation, especially in a chamber with so few women?” he asked. With women comprising just four of the 109 senators in the National Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension not only silences her constituents but also diminishes an already scarce female presence in the legislature.
The row has fuelled growing calls for transparency and accountability, with civil society groups and commentators urging a full inquiry into the allegations against Akpabio. For Utomi, the episode is a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions—and a call to action to safeguard them.
As the nation watches, the question remains: will the Senate address these criticisms, or will it continue to fan the flames of discontent while Nigeria burns?
Professor Pat Utomi is a renowned political economist and former presidential candidate.
