Natasha’s Suspension: Senate Overstepped Its Constitutional Boundaries – Ex-Lawmaker Idahosa
By The9jaTREND
A former federal lawmaker and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), West Idahosa, has condemned the Nigerian Senate for suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling the decision “predetermined” and a clear violation of a court order.
Speaking on Channels TV on Thursday, Idahosa argued that the Senate not only wronged Akpoti-Uduaghan but also undermined Nigeria’s judicial system.
According to Idahosa, “Now, the senate president allocates the seat. The dispute arose from the allocation of seat. Now, once it is senate president that allocates a seat and the senator complains about a right to a seat, it’s a privilege because the right to be in the senate is by election and a certificate of return.
“Do not forget you and I cannot go there. So once he raises that point, it is a duty honour or that 10, the famous order 10, she was shafted about.
“Of the presiding officer, to have suspended all other matters. I consider that a very serious issue. And taking her complain. And make a formal ruling.”
Going further Idahosa said, “But if you watch the proceedings on that day, as the distinguished senator was shouting other thing, other thing. I already heard the presiding officer talking about preparing for suspension. Review the tape. We’ve seen it. You were already preparing her for suspension.
“It was predetermined. And then beyond that, the question was, at the time they went to court, the issue was that there was a thinking, a suspicion that she might be suspended. That was why she went to court. If you don’t stop them, they will do it.
“And then they did it in spite of receiving the order. Now I said to them, they were wrong. Section 4 sub section 8 of the constitution is clear. In the conduct of his legislative powers and duties. Their conduct shall be subject to the judiciary.
“As long as the activities do not obstruct the due process of law. I mean once the senate is in session, it is carrying out legislative business.”
Idahosa added, “Whether it is about a seat, whether it’s about a breach of privilege, whether it is about passing a law, whether it’s about passing a motion. It’s all not brother on privilege. And so when the constitution of Nigeria says that the national assembly’s duties shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the cause. Shall, it means it.
“And that’s why they run to court each time they are suspended. Jinda was there. Ndume was there.
“For example, most courts have the view that you can suspend a a sitting senator or lawmaker of any legislative matter 14 days interpreting the legislative powers and privileges act.”
