Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Abuse of Senatorial Privileges – Amadi Criticizes Nigerian Senate

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi, has strongly condemned the Nigerian Senate for preventing Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her seat in the Red Chamber.

Amadi expressed his disapproval during a live interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he described the Senate’s decision as an outright abuse of senatorial privileges and a breach of democratic processes.

According to him, the Clerk of the National Assembly is an administrative officer and not a lawmaker, hence lacking the constitutional authority to prolong the suspension of any senator. He emphasized that such an action undermines both parliamentary order and democratic norms.

Amadi noted with concern that while members of the National Assembly create rules to guide parliamentary procedures, they often disregard the same regulations when it suits their interest.

He further explained:

“This action represents an overreach and a clear abuse of the privileges belonging to senators themselves. The National Assembly indeed has the constitutional power to suspend one of its members, but such a suspension must be carried out strictly within the lawful proceedings of the House. Anything beyond that amounts to illegality.”

Dr. Amadi highlighted that it is fundamentally wrong for the parliament to halt or delay its internal processes while awaiting judicial rulings. He argued that the legislature has immunity, independence, and the right to self-govern without judicial interference unless in cases of constitutional violations.

He stressed:

“The judiciary does not have the authority to obstruct parliamentary functions. The Nigerian parliament has autonomy over its activities, and judicial interventions should not interfere with legislative proceedings.”

This development continues to raise concerns about the balance of power, accountability, and respect for parliamentary privileges in Nigeria’s democracy. Many analysts view the case of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as a test of whether the Nigerian Senate is committed to fairness, transparency, and democratic integrity