A former Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Douglas Ogbankwa, has criticized the Senate’s suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as “double standards.”
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Ogbankwa argued that the suspension was improper since the matter was still before the court. “While she was still in court, the Senate proceeded to pronounce the suspension on her. As far as I’m concerned, that is double standards,” he said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on March 6, 2025, following a heated confrontation in the Senate chamber. She was accused of breaching Senate rules but has since filed a legal challenge, claiming her suspension violated her rights and those of her constituents.
Ogbankwa further explained that although the senator’s conduct in the chamber could be considered inappropriate, the Senate lacked constitutional authority to suspend her.
