Nigerians have criticized the Senate and the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The Senate’s decision stirred the ire of Nigerians following the suspension of the Kogi Central senator for six months.
Chronicle NG reports that the suspension followed the adoption of the report by the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.
The committee, headed by Neda Imaseun, presented the panel’s report during plenary on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Natasha ignored the committee’s invitation probing the altercation she had with Senate President Godswill Akpabio in February.
The Senate approved the committee’s recommendation that Akpoti-Uduaghan should be suspended from all legislative activities effective immediately.
The red chamber also approved that her office should be locked, and she must hand over all Senate properties in her possession to the clerk of the national assembly for the duration of the suspension.
The upper legislative chamber ruled that neither the senator nor her staff should be seen within the national assembly premises during the suspension period.
Reacting to Natasha’s suspension, Nigerians berated the Senate while describing Akpabio as ”the most useless Senate president in the history of Nigeria.”
Describing the suspension as ”injustice,” Nigerians mentioned that such a move by the Senate can only be attainable in a corrupt clime.
Chronicle NG highlights below the reactions of Nigerians to Natasha’s suspension.
April Moon, ”Akpabio is just trying to prove innocence. Truly he molested the lady, and it’s written all over his face. The most useless senate president in the history of Nigeria.”
Amaka Andrew, ”Where are the people supporting her and cheering her up? I said it before that this is Nigeria. She is fighting a good cause in a corrupt country. No one will ever listen to her. I said it before.”
Princess Amawbia, ”Suspending Natasha Akpoti is a big mistake from the red chambers. Let’s see how this plays out. All fingers crossed and all eyes on the Senate. Even her people are threatening to recall her. I am highly disappointed; I can’t even put words together to express my feelings. Natasha, you are not alone.”
Eyeh Ifeanyi, ”How you suspend someone for 6 months without proper investigation will remain a mystery. It’s less than 24 hours that this matter was brought to the hearing of the Senate officially.”
Andy Ojomideju, ”The injustice in Nigeria is too much. I pity some women taking sides with this man because I know some of them are seriously going through domestic violence but can’t speak up. Look at the speed they take in fasting the process, but Nigeria is seriously moving backwards without any progress in this country.”
Princewill Micheal, ”This is very disheartening, and this reassures us that we are really governed and being led by people that know nothing about what justice means. This planned suspension shows that her allegations against the Senate President are true but never a hoax.
”Suspending her from the Senate is a clear attempt to silence her from the Senate. This is too cheap.
”The question is, why not investigate her claims, and if she’s found to be unable to present her proof beyond reasonable doubt, then she should be made to face the consequences of her actions? Anyways, what goes around comes around.
”Dear Senator Natasha, I’m very sure Nigerians are standing with you, and the truth will be exposed one day.”
Prince Elumelem, ”No proper investigation. You people will not remain in power forever. Look at how that lady is smiling. Today it’s Natasha; tomorrow it may be yours. Women supporting women indeed.”
Abubakar Gazali, ”It is a house filled up with men of inconsequential and questionable character. Because most of them are ex-governors, ex-deputy governors, former ministers, and ex-representative members who are considered the high-profile corrupted individuals before arriving at the Senate as their retirement home.”
Olakunle David, ”They didn’t even allow Natasha and Akpabio to appear before the committee for a thorough investigation. It’s no wonder INEC declares results without proper scrutiny, drawing conclusions without due process. Sadly, our children are learning from this ineffective leadership.”
Ekason, ”Akpabio should be suspended; he’s the worst senate president in the history of Nigeria.”
Adelodun Wole, ”How can the Senate president be the judge over his case? He must vacate that seat for justice to be done.”
Olusegun Popoola, ”If this can happen to a whole senator, what is the hope of the common man?”
