….threatens nationwide protest over alleged political persecution
By Collins Umeh
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Senate, under the leadership of President Godswill Akpabio, of pushing the country toward “legislative dictatorship and democratic anarchy” over its refusal to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her legislative duties.
In a strongly worded statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the congress described the Senate’s action as “brazen persecution” that violates the constitution, disrespects court rulings, and disenfranchises the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
According to the NLC, suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was already an unconstitutional act, but continuing to bar her from her duties despite the expiration of the six-month suspension and contrary to court orders, represents “the height of impunity and a dangerous slide toward fascism masquerading as governance.”
The statement read in part:
“This act is not merely an error in judgment; it is a premeditated assault on democracy itself. By denying Senator Natasha her constitutional role, the Senate has effectively stolen the right of her constituents to be represented in lawmaking, oversight, and appropriation.”
The labour movement also dismissed the Senate’s claim that the matter is sub judice, describing it as a “cynical ploy” to silence dissent and punish political opposition.
Ajaero warned that the continued exclusion of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan amounts to disenfranchising an entire district, undermining the sanctity of the vote, and setting a dangerous precedent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“A Senate that operates as a court in its own matter, suspends members, and ignores the expiry of its own sanctions has declared war on democracy and on Nigerians,” the NLC declared.
The union vowed to mobilise its members nationwide if the Senate fails to reinstate the lawmaker, stressing that “an attack on one senator today is an attack on the sovereignty of every Nigerian voter tomorrow.”
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