Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, a Member of the Pan-African Parliament and former Member of the ECOWAS Parliament has expressed profound disappointment over the Nigerian Senate’s decision to continue barring Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from her legislative duties.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News, Njai described her reaction to the situation saying, “I just happened to be in Abuja and when I saw the letter from the office of the clerk, it’s quite disheartening,” she stated.
The letter sent from the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly, informed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan that she could not resume her functions despite her six-month suspension having expired. The reason given was that the matter was still “sub judice,” citing a pending appeal, however, this has been widely criticized by legal experts and human rights advocates who argue that a suspension, once served, should not be prolonged by an ongoing legal process.
As a respected voice in continental parliamentary bodies, Hon. Njai’s intervention carries significant weight. Her dismay underscores the perception that the Senate’s action is not merely a domestic issue but one that raises questions about democratic principles and the rule of law across Africa.
The situation of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only a handful of women in the Nigerian Senate, is also seen as a setback for women’s political representation. Njai’s public statement puts international pressure on the Nigerian Senate to reconsider its position and allow the senator to resume her duties.
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