The Kogi State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is unjust and constitutes an infringement on the senator’s rights.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Kogi State PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Umoru Tijani Aruwa, described the decision as not only unfair but also a clear violation of the senator’s rights and privileges. He added that the suspension effectively denies her constituency representation in the upper chamber, for which she was elected.
The statement read:
“The suspension, which was recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, and the haste with which it was executed, is a gross overreaction to the senator’s petition against the Senate President.
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“The PDP Kogi State chapter believes this decision is politically motivated and aimed at silencing the senator’s voice.”
According to Aruwa, the suspension is wrong for several reasons, emphasizing that, first and foremost, it infringes on the senator’s rights.
“The suspension violates Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to freedom of speech and expression. It also lacks the principle of fair hearing, as the senator was not given the opportunity to defend herself. The committee’s recommendations were based on biased and one-sided information, making the decision politically motivated and intended to punish the senator for her criticism of the Senate President.”
He further advised the Senate to take the necessary steps to reverse the suspension:
“The Senate should immediately reverse the suspension and restore Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s rights and privileges. Additionally, a fair and impartial investigation should be conducted into the allegations against the senator, ensuring that she is given a proper hearing.”
He urged the Senate to uphold democratic principles, including the right to freedom of speech and expression, and to ensure that its actions align with the rule of law.
The Kogi State PDP reaffirmed its unwavering support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and called on the Senate to take immediate action to correct this injustice.
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