NLC Accuses Akpabio of Persecuting Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Sends Warning

• Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been accused by the Nigeria Labour Congress of spearheading the political persecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
• The senator was barred from resuming duties despite notifying the National Assembly of the end of her suspension, prompting widespread condemnation
• Labour leaders and legal counsel warn that the move threatens democratic representation and signals a troubling shift in Nigeria’s political landscape

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating what it described as a campaign of persecution against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had formally notified Yahaya Danzaria, the acting clerk of the National Assembly, of her intention to resume legislative duties on 4 September, marking what she stated was the end of her six-month suspension.

However, on Tuesday, she was prevented from entering the National Assembly premises, with officials citing ongoing litigation as justification for the continued suspension.

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The senator’s suspension, originally imposed for “gross misconduct” following a heated exchange with Akpabio in February over seating arrangements, has remained a contentious issue.

On 22 July, all gates to the National Assembly complex were reportedly locked to block her entry.

NLC condemns suspension as assault on democracy

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the Senate’s actions, describing the continued suspension as a “brazen, premeditated assault on democracy” and a “dangerous slide towards fascism masquerading as governance”.

Ajaero criticised the Senate’s reliance on legal technicalities to justify the suspension, calling it “morally reprehensible” and asserting that it has deprived the people of Kogi Central of their constitutional right to representation.

“The senate’s pathetic recourse to a frivolous legal technicality after the expiration of a patently illegal six-month suspension is the height of legislative bad faith,” the statement read.

He further alleged that the Senate’s refusal to comply with a court ruling voiding the suspension amounted to a direct attack on the constituents of Kogi Central.

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“It is a cynical ploy that reveals a sinister agenda to silence dissent, crush opposition, and manipulate the judiciary as a tool of political persecution,” Ajaero stated.

Labour movement threatens nationwide mobilisation

The NLC president warned that the labour movement would not remain passive in the face of what he termed a calculated attempt to undermine democratic institutions.

“This action is a calculated test run for the emasculation of opposition and the subjugation of sovereign will as 2027 approaches,” he said.

Ajaero pledged that the NLC would mobilise its members to resist any descent into autocracy.

“An attack on one senator today is an attack on the sovereignty of every Nigerian voter tomorrow,” he added.

Legal counsel challenges clerk’s justification

Meanwhile, Michael Numa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and legal counsel to Akpoti-Uduaghan, has issued a formal demand for the senator’s reinstatement.

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In a letter dated 10 September, Numa called on Clerk Danzaria to facilitate her resumption or face legal consequences.

He dismissed the clerk’s claim that the matter was sub judice as a “misuse of the rule”, arguing that it lacked legal merit and further infringed on the senator’s rights.

PDP speaks Senate tells Natasha she cannot resume

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, September 9, condemned the alleged moves to stop Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption.

Legit.ng had reported that the senate rejected Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to return to legislative duties amid a rift with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

On Sunday, September 7, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, had told journalists that the Kogi federal lawmaker and PDP chieftain would be resuming with her colleagues on Tuesday, September 23.

Source: Legit.ng