₦airaland Forum

Tjra:
You dey mind her?

She has never made sense for once.

Mynd44:
But what does she want the senate to do about a matter that is already in court?

Was Obasa's case not in court when the house and Gac were having discussions on the issue?

This is called apc hypocrisy. it needs to stop.

ochiosa:
Is it not the same court that stop the committee from sitting? or they choose the one to obey?

No court! Not even the supreme Court has the powers to stop the Senate from sitting. There're three arms of government. the executive, legislature and the judiciary. Just as the legislators does not have the right to stop the judiciary in its functions, the judiciary also has no right in stopping the legislature.

This one go smoke Igbo Dey cap anyhow.

After wetin this woman do for GEJ time, we support tie this one to tree flog am

MaziObinnaokija:
WITCH

because she lecture your parents who don't even know anything

Bittersweetnig:
because she lecture your parents who don't even know anything

U mean ur pauper village goat parents. .

Saao:
matter in the court and u suspended the victim. Is that justice? The accused presided over everything that led to her suspension. If not foolishness, he should have even pretended to bring dsp to presided over it. Truth be told, today is Natasha, it can be anyone tomorrow. The stigma will be with him for the rest of his life except investigated

Does she hava any witness or evidence to prove her case? Or is she just relying on the punlic to believe whatever she says?

Samogloby:
Thank God we have Trump as United States president! We are sending letters to US, UK and European Union embassies to take note of abuse of power by leaders of Nigerian Senate and lack of respect for Nigerian women senator. Appeals to to Mr Trump,any senator found in this abused of power should be barr (if any, their foreign account frozen) and their family members.

You guys said more than this during and after 2023 presidential election. Trump doesn't give a Bleep about you

MaziObinnaokija:
U mean ur pauper village goat parents. .

your useless baby factory parents

Senator Natasha must realise that Nigeria is not like Ukraine, her mother's land, where every little thing is judged to be Sexual Harassment. She must grow up, and stop sulking like an over pampered half cast that she is.

NairalandVDM:
I don't know why some people are NOT getting it. Natasha was simply suspended for not appearing before the Senate committee on ethics, privileges and Petitions. She even went further to seek and obtain a Court injunction to not appear before same committee. This act is disrespectful to the Senate as a whole. She wasn't suspended because she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment

Don't mind foolish people everywhere.

Once a woman shed crocodile tears, their brain fuse get burnt.

This ugly baboon again

edlion57:
If all her colleagues are against her, even the female ones,then something is definitely wrong.some women always use this sex thing as a weapon to win every fight.

Her colleagues are against her because of their own personal interest. You think challenging the head of the senate is easy

Honestly I am embarrassed as a man to be represented by such reprobates

It shows the moral decay of the entire senate. Anyone supporting this is a rapist and should face firing squad

essentialone:
Senator Natasha must realise that Nigeria is not like Ukraine, her mother's land, where every little thing is judged to be Sexual Harassment. She must grow up, and stop sulking like an over pampered half cast that she is.

You must not know Ukraine is a backwater worse than Nigeria. No be everywhere be oyibo land

OLAADEGBU:
Instead, she said, the Senate chose "the ignoble path of vicious abuse of power and desecration of our public institution."

She has made i.pob happy with her contribution

Tjra:
Ezekwesilly always yarning dust.

See as she looks like Obasanjo's twin brother.

Please take down this picture . Pukes

You are here to insult a national figure. Please who is ur mother, Have she ever appeared in any nigerian national newspapers before.. Stop insulting men and women who has already made in life...

Bittersweetnig:
your useless baby factory parents

Ur senseless, moroni. c parents u mean

For sure they will not investigate

🐂💩

Namigotalktru:
You must not know Ukraine is a backwater worse than Nigeria. No be everywhere be oyibo land

MaziObinnaokija:
Same way u dey drag yo father because mof balls of Eba and reheated OGBONNA soup abi

I am igbo just like u,
Nnewi to be precise but u disappoint me, I swear

Why aren't you complaining about the young helpless girls being arrested in Anambra because they cant afford bra and pant? Useless hag.

SERAP Sues Akpabio For Failing To Lift ‘Unlawful Suspension’ Of Senator Natasha

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March 16, 2025
News

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio over "the failure to reverse the patently unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the purported suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression."

Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of the Senate.

The Senate recently suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly 'spoke without permission' and 'refused her new seat in the Senate chamber.'

Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.

In the suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: "an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges."

SERAP is seeking "an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights."

It is also seeking "a declaration that the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules, the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), to suspend Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation."

In the suit, SERAP argues that “granting this application would serve the public interest and promote respect for the rights of everyone in the National Assembly."

It said, "No one should ever be punished for 'speaking without permission'. Being a senator does not deprive Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of her fundamental human rights. The Senate should be setting an example by upholding the rule of law and promoting and protecting human rights, not stamping them out.

"Punishing Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for peacefully expressing herself is unlawful, unnecessary and disproportionate. Her suspension would also have a disproportionate chilling effect on the ability of other members of the Senate to freely express themselves and exercise their human rights.

"Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression in the Senate. All the other grounds cited by the Senate for her suspension seem to be a pretext to further restrict her fundamental human rights."

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Mrs Adelanke Aremo, read in part: "No member of the Senate should suffer any consequences for peacefully exercising their freedom of expression."

The organisation said the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has “restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government”.

It said, "The Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, in Principle II (2) provides that 'any restrictions on freedom of expression shall be provided for by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary and in a democratic society'.

"Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights provides that, 'Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives in accordance with the provisions of the law.'

"The right to express one's opinion is of paramount importance, not only because it oils the engine of a representative democracy but also because it creates a free and open environment.

"The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental individual human right which is also a cornerstone of democracy and a means of ensuring the respect for all human rights and freedoms.

"The Human Rights Council, the body charged with monitoring implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights has stressed that any limitations or restrictions to freedom of expression should be applied strictly so that they do 'not put in jeopardy the right itself.'

"Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes the Senate's obligations to respect and ensure 'the right to freedom of expression,' which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally or in writing.

"The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan's right to express herself and disseminate her opinions which is clearly guaranteed in section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party."

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

[color=orange]SaharaReporters[/color]

Mr Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of the Senate.

Senator Natasha Alleges Plot To Arrest Her Upon Return To Nigeria Over IPU Speech On Akpabio Harassment Allegations

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March 16, 2025
News

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has alleged that plans are being made to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria after attending the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Natasha claims that her speech at the event, where she raised concerns about sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has triggered threats against her.

She revealed that after her address at the United Nations premises, three Nigerian Embassy officials, led by the Chargé D’Affaires, attempted to remove her from the venue. However, she said parliamentarians from other countries and event security personnel intervened and prevented her removal.

The senator clarified that she had independently registered for the conference as a senator, securing accreditation through IPU’s mailing list from her previous attendance.

She also stated that she personally funded her trip after receiving approval to participate.

Natasha detailed how she successfully attended the IPU meeting in New York, despite not being officially nominated by the Nigerian government.

She explained that she registered online as a senator and secured accreditation because she was already on IPU’s mailing list from her previous attendance. According to her, she personally funded her trip after receiving approval to participate.

“I registered online as a senator. The suspension does not remove my legitimacy as a senator. I attended the same programme last year and was already on the mailing list. After getting a pass, I bought my own ticket and funded my trip and participation at the event,” she stated.

This was not her first IPU event. In March 2024, she accompanied Senate President Godswill Akpabio to the 148th IPU General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of Nigeria’s official delegation. Also present were Cross River South Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.

During the Geneva assembly, Akpabio called for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access to the war-torn region.

Clarifying her recent attendance, Senator Natasha attributed her participation to her previous engagement with the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and her prior involvement in the IPU.

She emphasised that the event is not limited to government officials but is also open to individuals and civil society organizations.

She further noted that she traveled to New York using a visa on her ordinary Nigerian passport, not an official one.

Regarding her six-month suspension from the Senate, which prohibits her from identifying as a senator domestically or internationally, Natasha described it as illegal.

She insisted that despite this restriction, she attended the IPU meeting in her official capacity and spoke as a legitimate representative of her constituents.

Earlier, it was reported that Nigeria's internal and external intelligence agencies had launched an investigation into how Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the IPU meeting without official nomination from Nigeria.

The probe, revealed by high-ranking administration and security officials to PREMIUM TIMES, aims to uncover how Akpoti-Uduaghan gained access to the meeting, who facilitated her trip and accreditation, and whether her attendance was orchestrated to embarrass Nigeria.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has been at the centre of controversy recently, including allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and a six-month suspension from the Nigerian Senate for misconduct.

According to the report, Nigeria's State Security Service (SSS), also known as the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are jointly investigating how Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan attended the recent IPU meeting in New York without official nomination from Nigeria.

The probe was reportedly triggered by complaints from the Nigerian senate.

The investigation aims to uncover several key points, including whether Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan obtained unauthorised credentials or if external facilitators aided her participation at the meeting and whether her participation breached any IPU regulations or the Nigerian National Assembly protocols.

It will also look into whether Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan's statements at the event misrepresented Nigeria's official stance and whether individuals or organisations helped her secure attendance without the government's knowledge or approval.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Complaint To IPU

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan earlier reported her suspension by the Senate, as well as her case against Senate President Akpabio, to the IPU.

The Kogi Central lawmaker described the Senate’s action as “illegal” and a reflection of the challenges women face in Nigeria.

“I am not here to bring shame to my country; I am here to bring help to the women of our country,” she stated.

She said, “On March 6, I was suspended as a Senator—illegally—because I submitted a petition of sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. I believed that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself, and both of us would submit to a fair and transparent investigation by the committee on ethics. Unfortunately, I was silenced and suspended.

“I was suspended for six months under stringent conditions: my security detail was withdrawn, all officials working closely with me as a Senator were removed, my salary was cut off, I was barred from appearing anywhere near the National Assembly, and for six months, I was prohibited from introducing myself as a Senator.

“Whether locally in Nigeria or internationally, that would imply that I am here illegally. But I have nowhere else to turn except to speak before you all, because this situation illustrates the reality of women’s rights in political representation. My suspension is not just about me—women make up only 2.8% of the Senate. Out of 109 senators, only four of us are women.”

“My call for an open investigation into harassment has been met with hostility instead of accountability, in full view of the world. Imagine what ordinary Nigerians face every day,” she added.

In response, the President of the IPU, Tulia Ackson, promised to ensure that necessary steps are taken regarding the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate.

She, however, noted that the Senate leadership would be given an opportunity to present its side before any decision is made.

Nigerian Senate’s Response

In response to her complaint at the UN conference, the Nigerian Senate issued a letter, read by the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Honorable Kafilat Ogbara, refuting the allegations.

Oghara was representing Nigeria at the IPU in an official capacity.

The letter, signed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, stated: “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of allegation of sexual harassment or assault. The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the sixth months suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”

Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan To Testify Ethics Before Committee

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions (SCEPPP) was set to hear testimonies from Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of sexual harassment.

This was confirmed by the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday.

According to Nwebonyi, other senators who were present at the time of the alleged incident will also testify before the committee.

“All the parties involved would appear before the Committee, including the Senate President.

“He would come and testify, and his testimony would be recorded, likewise other senators,” Nwebonyi stated.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had alleged that Akpabio sexually harassed her during a visit to his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December 2023.

[color=orange]SaharaReporters[/color]

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Natasha claims that her speech at the event, where she raised concerns about sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has triggered threats against her.

Senate President Akpabio Once Noticed I Wasn't Wearing My Ring, Asked 'Is This Invitation To Treat?' – Senator Natasha

March 18, 2025
NEWS

Suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has recounted one of the moments of alleged sexual harassment from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, prior to the clash between them.

In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, the Kogi Central lawmaker claimed that her recent six-month suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence her.

"I am being victimised. My suspension is a means of silencing me," Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.

The senator’s suspension, which took effect on March 6, was handed down for what was termed "gross misconduct" after she failed to appear before the Senate Ethics and Privileges Committee.

Her suspension followed a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session last month.

Akpoti-Uduaghan has since accused Akpabio of sexually harassing her, alleging that he made inappropriate advances both inside and outside the Senate chambers.

She recounted an incident at Akpabio’s country home, where she claimed he held her hand in a "suggestive way."
"We were at his country home. He was taking me around his house. My husband was walking behind us. He held my hand. He then squeezed my hands in a very suggestive way.
“We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way," she said.

When asked if Akpabio had made advances towards her inside the Senate chamber, she recalled another incident. “There was a time when I rushed to work and forgot to wear my ring. There were about five senators there. He said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring, is this an invitation to treat?’ You know, statements like this.”

However, Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi who reacted to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s interview dismissed the allegations, stating that Akpabio had never made sexual advances or inappropriate comments toward Akpoti-Uduaghan.

"Senator Natasha’s legislative activities show this claim is not true," Nwaebonyi told the BBC, also rejecting her assertion that the Senate was deliberately silencing her.

The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked debate on the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigerian politics.

Critics argued that the lack of openness within the Senate discourages accountability and stifles dissenting voices.

Others, however, maintain that disciplinary measures against lawmakers should not be politicised.

As the fallout from these allegations continues, the Nigerian Senate faces renewed scrutiny over issues of gender dynamics, internal governance, and the freedom of lawmakers to express their views without fear of retribution.

[color=orange]Source[/color]

In an interview with the BBC on Tuesday, the Kogi Central lawmaker claimed that her recent six-month suspension was a deliberate attempt to silence her.

EXCLUSIVE: Akpabio’s Guest House Hosts Dollar Rain As Senators Pocket $10,000, $5,000 To Back Tinubu's Rivers Emergency Rule

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March 20, 2025
News
Exclusive

SaharaReporters has uncovered that cash was distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to secure lawmakers’ support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Sources privy to the matter told SaharaReporters that Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, was the venue where the money was handed out.

According to the sources, 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators were given $5,000 each on Tuesday night to influence the approval of the controversial emergency rule in Rivers State.

SaharaReporters also learned that Senator Victor Umeh and Senator Neda Imasuen of the Labour Party were among the key figures involved in organising the payout.

“They were the only Labour Party senators present at both events on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and participated in collecting the money,” one of the sources said.

“The venue was the Senate President's guest house at No. 22 Yedeseram Street, Maitama, where 42 senators were given $10,000 each last Wednesday night, and 45 senators received $5,000 each on Tuesday night, March 18, to pass the controversial Rivers State emergency rule.”

On Wednesday, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had allegedly provided funds to Senate President Godswill Akpabio to rally senators in support of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This followed President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in the state on Tuesday, which also led to the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly.

On Wednesday, the Senate deferred discussions on the matter until 3 p.m. that same day. Although the motion to deliberate on Tinubu's letter was listed as the first item on the day’s Order Paper, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) invoked Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) to postpone the debate. The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Following the postponement, the Senate moved on to other agenda items, including confirming nominees for the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Sources told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Akpabio intentionally delayed the debate on the Rivers State emergency rule until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.

“Wike allegedly provided money for Akpabio as they met yesterday after Tinubu told him to do the groundwork for the State of Emergency. Over $3 million was provided when Wike met Akpabio,” one of the sources said on Wednesday.

“Akpabio then invited some senators to Iftar after which he gave them dollars depending on their seniority.”

However, sources said some senators, including former Bayelsa Governor Seriake Dickson, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several other former governors, did not attend the Iftar.

“The announcement was made during Iftar," a source said.

"The senators requested an open vote, but Akpabio postponed it until 3 p.m. when most senators would have left the chamber.

"At least 72 senators are required to sign, but fewer than 60 were present today. The House of Representatives also needs a minimum of 240 votes. Meanwhile, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, was not informed, which explains the chaos in the House of Representatives today (Wednesday)."

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability and security concerns, including recent pipeline vandalism that threatened the nation's oil production.

This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state's House of Assembly for six months. To assume administrative control during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the state's administrator.

In accordance with constitutional provisions, the President's declaration required approval from the National Assembly.

Earlier today, both chambers—the Senate and the House of Representatives—convened to deliberate on the proclamation.

Senate Proceedings

The Senate held a closed-door session lasting over an hour to discuss the state of emergency. Following this session, Senate President Akpabio announced unanimous approval of the President's proclamation.

The Senate invoked Sections 134, 135, and 136 of its Standing Orders, aligning with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency, subject to legislative approval.

The Senate's resolution included the establishment of a joint ad hoc committee with the House of Representatives to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period. Additionally, a committee comprising eminent Nigerians was proposed to mediate and resolve the political crisis in the state within the six-month timeframe.

House of Representatives Proceedings

Earlier on Thursday, the House of Representatives also convened to address the President's declaration. The session, attended by 243 members, resulted in a voice vote that overwhelmingly supported the state of emergency.

The House recommended the formation of a national committee to facilitate peace and restore normalcy in Rivers State. It also resolved that the National Assembly should assume legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the duration of the emergency rule.

These legislative endorsements effectively activated the state of emergency in Rivers State, granting the federal government authority to intervene and address the underlying issues affecting the region.

[color=orange]Source[/color]

Sources privy to the matter told SaharaReporters that Akpabio’s guest house, located at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, was the venue where the money was handed out.

Senator Natasha Warns INEC Against Delaying Service Of Recall Petition, Accuses Commission Of Sabotage

March 28, 2025
NEWS

The legal representatives of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, have accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of delaying the service of a recall petition against their client.

In a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's lawyers, led by Adanu Emmanuel Ogwiji of J.S. Okutepa SAN & Co., expressed concern over the commission’s failure to provide her with the petition and supporting documents despite multiple requests.

The letter, dated March 28, serves as a reminder of previous communications sent on March 24 and March 25, urging INEC to furnish the senator with the recall petition in line with constitutional provisions for fair hearing.

The lawyers referenced the case of Senator Dino Melaye & 7 Ors. vs. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors. (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/567/2017), in which the Federal High Court ruled that for a recall process to proceed, the affected lawmaker must be served with a copy of the petition along with supporting documents, including the list of signatories.

The legal team accused INEC of fostering suspicion by withholding the documents, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral body.

In their latest communication, the lawyers gave INEC a 24-hour ultimatum to serve the recall petition or risk legal action.

They also suggested that the commission might be allowing itself to be used to sabotage the senator’s rights.

The letter read, "We continue to act as Counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, member of the 10th National Assembly representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, hereinafter referred to as our client and on whose firm instruction, we write to you.

"Recall, that we had written to your office on the 24th day of March 2025 and 25th day of March 2025 demanding that our client be served through us, with the Petition and all its supporting documents in line with our client's right to fair bearing as enshrined in the constitution. Several days have passed since our communication to your office on the urgency of the matter.

"It is imperative to state, that in the case of Senator Dino Melaye & 7 Ors. Vs. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors. (Unreported, Suit No, FHC/ABJ/CS/567/2017) in which the commission was the 1st Defendant, the Federal High Court per Hon. Justice (Dr.) Nnamdi O. Dimgba held thus at PP.62-63:...It is important to stress the need for transparency in the conduct of public affairs, such as the subject matter of this litigation. It is when agencies as the 1" Defendant refuse to do simple things such as releasing petitions and the accompanying documents to the affected persons such as the 1st Plaintiff that breeds suspicions and creates negative impressions in the minds of the public and affected persons, when this could easily have been avoided.

"My view therefore is that for a recall process to proceed, the 1st Defendant should serve on the 1st Plaintiff a copy of the petition, together with all the documents accompanying it, all of which have been expressly referred to in the petition itself, Exhibit INECI. For the avoidance of doubt, these documents include (a) The recall petition (b) Schedule of Signatures attached to the petition as referred to in it and (c) the full list of persons in support of the recall process, which was also referred to in the following language: "Find supplied in the accompanying jute bags, full list of everyone in support of this Recall Process," he explained.

According to Adanu, "Pursuant to the position of the law stated above, we urge you most respectfully to comply with the request of our client, within 24 hours from the date of receipt of this letter, failing which we shall take it that, your commission has deliberately chosen to undermine the fundamental right of our client to be served the Petition said to have been received by your commission.

"We hope that your commission is not allowing itself to be used in sabotage not only of the fundamental right to fair hearing of our client, but again the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other relevant laws of the land. We therefore reiterate, that you cause the said Petition and all attachments to be served within 24 hours from the date of this letter," he added.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023, has been a prominent figure in Kogi State politics, often at odds with powerful political interests.

Her recall process is widely seen as a politically charged move, raising concerns over the fairness of democratic processes in Nigeria.

[color=orange]SaharaReporters[/color]

The legal team accused INEC of fostering suspicion by withholding the documents, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the electoral body.