ADC Demands Reversal of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension
Uko Etim, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, calling it “an “illegal” and “vindictive” move.”illegal” and “vindictive.”
This was contained in a press release Signed by the ADC State Chairman, Mr. Dick Duke, and the ADC Spokesman, Manfred Ekpe, Jr. and made available to Newsnowng in Uyo on Tuesday.
The ADC questioned Senator Neda Bennards Imasuen’s moral grounds for leading the Senate Ethical Committee and recommending the suspension.
According to them, Imasuen was reportedly dismissed from law practice in the United States for fraud, misconduct, and dishonesty.
“The African Democratic Congress, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has watched with chagrin and nausea the capture of the Nigerian Senate by a cabal of questionable character who have turned the Senate into a House of fraud, vendetta, suppression of women’s rights, oppression against freedom of speech, misogyny, violation of the rule of law, and, who are not fit to walk the streets of decent societies with decent people but yet are rulers of Nigeria.
“ADC questions the moral grounds that Senator Neda Bennards Imasuen is standing on to question the moral and ethical conduct of Senators or decent men and women in Nigeria or at all, when he is reported to have been dismissed from law practice in the United States for fraud, misconduct, dishonesty and unethical practices.”
The ADC alleged that Imasuen’s committee report was “illegal and fraudulent” and that he had violated the principle of audi altarem partem, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing.
The party also criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for presiding over the matter despite Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s accusations.
The ADC called for an impartial investigation into the sexual harassment claims and demanded that Imasuen resign from the Senate.
Furthermore, the ADC noted that the suspension was disproportionate to the alleged offense and inferred malice and vindictiveness.
The party also questioned the motive behind the smear campaigns against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, which included “false claims about her personal life”.
The ADC threatened to take further lawful steps, including petitioning international governments and agencies.
