Misan Ukubeyinje, a former lawmaker of the Delta State House of Assembly has urged the leadership of the Nigerian Senate to rescind its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Ukubeyinje stating that the Senate only succeeded in shooting itself in the foot said it is important for the Red Chamber to review the suspension slammed on the senator.
In a statement issued on Friday, Ukubeyinje said the Senate and its Committee on Ethics, Rights and Privileges acted against the Upper Chamber’s extant rules as regards to the protection of the rights of a senator under threat or intimidation.
He also said it is unfortunate that the Senate and its committee instead of protecting Akpoti-Uduaghan succeeded in shielding the Senate President from being accountable.
“Rather, the Senate dismissed her petition bordering on sexual harassment and intimidation, claiming sub judice, citing the suit filed by the wife to the Senate President, thereby manifestly perpetuating double standards and approbating and reprobating, wrongly assuming jurisdiction by suspending her beyond their powers,” he said.
Further calling for a review of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, Ukubeyinje said the Kogi lawmaker did nothing wrong in speaking out against her perceived oppression and sexual harassment.
‘It is unconstitutional to suspend a senator more than 14 days for wrongdoing. By the Rules of Senate Order 67 (4), the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2018, a member of any Legislative House guilty of contempt of the House cannot be suspended for more than 48 hours,” Ukubeyinje said.