The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has faulted the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, saying it is an unconstitutional move that undermines democracy and legislative independence.

The organisation maintained that Natasha’s suspension directly violates the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative governance.

Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, in a statement on Friday, argued that the suspension of an elected senator contradicts Sections 68 and 69 of the 1999 Constitution, which clearly outline the lawful processes for a legislator to lose their seat.

Rafsanjani maintained that Section 68(1) and (2) state that a legislator’s seat can only be declared vacant under specific circumstances, such as resignation, defection, conviction, or recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The CISLAC boss observed that Section 69 stipulates that the recall process is the only constitutional means for removing an elected legislator, making the Senate’s decision legally baseless.

CISLAC noted that by suspending Natasha, the Senate has effectively denied the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District their right to representation, an action he said constitutes an abuse of power.

Rafsanjani recalled past judicial rulings that have consistently declared legislative suspensions unlawful.

He referenced key cases such as Hon. Dino Melaye v House of Representatives (2009), where the Federal High Court ruled that legislative chambers lack the authority to suspend elected members.

He said, “In Ali Ndume v Senate President & Ors (2018), the Court of Appeal nullified the senator’s suspension, reinforcing the principle that lawmakers cannot be arbitrarily removed by their peers. Similarly, House of Assembly v Hon. Danna (2003) established that only the judiciary or the electorate have the power to remove an elected official.”

CISLAC accused the Senate of disregarding these precedents and eroding legislative independence by silencing dissenting voices,” Rafsanjani said.

The group also questioned the impartiality of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in handling the matter.

It pointed out that Senator Natasha’s suspension stems from her raising sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.

“CISLAC argued that allowing the Senate’s Ethics Committee—seen as influenced by leadership—to dismiss the allegations without a fair and neutral review violates Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing. The principle of Nemo Judex in Causa Sua (no one should be a judge in their own case) has been completely disregarded in this matter,” CISLAC stated, calling it a misuse of legislative power.

The organisation also warned that suspending lawmakers for expressing dissent weakens the oversight function of the National Assembly.

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It stressed that Section 39 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, including for lawmakers. Parliamentary immunity exists to protect legislators from persecution over statements made in the course of their duties.

He said, “A legislature where members fear retribution for questioning leadership cannot function as a true democracy. CISLAC warned that the move sets a dangerous precedent where Senate leadership can silence opposition through suspensions, effectively turning the National Assembly into a tool of intimidation.”

CISLAC demanded the immediate reinstatement of Natasha and urged the Senate to retract its decision and uphold democratic principles and the peaceful resolution of the crisis.