Former federal lawmaker and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), West Idahosa, has questioned the constitutional validity of Senator Natasha Akpoti’s prolonged suspension, arguing that the Senate has exceeded its legal authority.
Speaking in an interview on Channels TV, Idahosa emphasized that parliamentary suspensions are subject to strict legal constraints. “A sitting senator or lawmaker cannot be suspended for more than 14 days. Moreover, no suspension should occur without granting the affected lawmaker a fair hearing,” he stated.
Responding to claims that Senator Akpoti failed to appear before the Senate Ethics Committee before her suspension, Idahosa suggested another perspective: “She filed an action in court and was likely present there. The key issue is whether the Senate has proof of proper service notifying her of the Ethics Committee hearing.”
Idahosa also criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s handling of the situation, highlighting the responsibilities of leadership. “The Senate President interprets the rules, but in doing so, he must balance compassion with fairness. Lawmakers are human beings, and globally, female politicians face unique challenges that must be considered,” he argued.
He further pointed out procedural lapses in the seating reallocation that triggered the controversy. “There is supposed to be official notification—either through text messages or public announcements—before seats are reassigned. If a senator arrives and is suddenly told they can’t sit in their usual place, it disregards their elected status. Senators have the right to speak, and the right to protest is also protected,” Idahosa asserted.
For further context, viewers can watch the interview below starting at the 5:17 mark.
