By Sunday Apah
Former Delta State House of Assembly member, Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje, has urged the Senate to promptly revisit the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Kogi Central Senatorial District, labeling the move as a grave example of legislative overreach, unconstitutional, and unjustly biased.
In a statement released to journalists in Warri, Delta State, Ukubeyinje expressed that the suspension reflects poorly on the Senate, potentially damaging the standing of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and casting doubt on the integrity of the 10th Senate.
Throughout his career, which has included roles as State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Commissioner for Lands, Surveys, and Urban Development, Ukubeyinje has maintained that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Rights and Privileges, along with the Senate as a whole, have violated existing regulations meant to safeguard senators facing threats and intimidation.
As a legal practitioner, he expressed disappointment that the Senate appeared to have prioritized the protection of its President in light of the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation brought forward by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan instead of adhering to standard procedures.
Ukubeyinje reiterated his call for the Senate to reassess the suspension, arguing that “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has done nothing wrong by voicing her concerns regarding oppression, intimidation, and harassment.”
He further contended that suspending a senator for more than 14 days without proper justification is unconstitutional. According to Senate Order 67 (4) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2018, a member found guilty of contempt cannot be suspended for longer than 48 hours.
He referenced the legal precedent set in the 2018 Court of Appeal case, Ali Ndume vs. Senate, which established that senators cannot be suspended for longer than 14 days. He also pointed to the case involving Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as supporting his position.
Ukubeyinje emphasized that during her pursuit of justice, Senator Natasha had raised an Order 10, which was disregarded, and she submitted a detailed written petition that deserved proper consideration.
He insisted that the Senate should protect her rights and investigate the pertinent issues before delivering a comprehensive report, with the Senate President stepping aside during the process.
Instead of fulfilling this duty, Ukubeyinje charged that the Senate dismissed her allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation on procedural grounds, citing a pending court case related to the Senate President, thereby exhibiting a double standard and improperly extending their authority by suspending her beyond legal limits.
