By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has expressed deep disappointment and strong condemnation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Neda Imasuen, for dismissing the petition filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central. In a statement released by the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, on behalf of the Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran, CACOL described the Senate Committee’s decision as an attack on democratic accountability.
The petition, filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, raised critical issues that CACOL believes deserved thorough scrutiny and consideration, particularly focusing on the principles of transparency, good governance, and respect for due process. The organization expressed concern that the rejection of the petition without proper deliberation undermines the integrity of the legislative process and discourages meaningful discourse on governance.
“The committee’s rejection of the petition without proper deliberation sends a troubling signal about the integrity of the legislative process and the commitment of those in power to uphold the rights of all representatives to be heard,” the statement read.
CACOL further emphasized that Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, should have recused himself from overseeing the committee’s decision due to his potential conflict of interest in the matter, advocating for an independent body to investigate the allegations raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The organization also condemned the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, labeling it a blatant attack on free speech and the right of elected officials to serve their constituents without undue repression. CACOL called the suspension a reflection of political intolerance and suppression in a time when democratic engagement and transparency should be upheld.
“We denounce this unjust and disproportionate punishment imposed on Senator Natacha. Silencing an elected representative is not only an attack on her personally but also an attack on the voices of the people she represents. Such actions set a dangerous precedent for democracy and governance in our country,” CACOL stated.
The organization has called on the Senate to immediately reconsider its decision and reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging all democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and the public to stand in solidarity against any attempts to erode democratic freedoms and suppress political opposition.
CACOL reaffirmed its commitment to defending democracy, justice, and the rule of law, pledging to continue advocating for a political environment where all voices can be heard and where no representative is punished for fulfilling their mandate.
