- Safiu Kehinde
The Labour Party (LP) has condemned the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Sen. Neda Imasuen, over the suspension of Kogi state lawmaker, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Imasuen, a Labour Party member and lawmaker representing Edo South Senatorial District, had recommended the six months suspension of Natasha over misconduct and violation of the Senate standing Order.
NPO reported that Natasha had, last month, clashed with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seat arrangement.
Following the incident, the Red Chamber transferred her disciplinary committee led by Imasuen.
While the issue had further escalated with Natasha’s sexual harassment accusation against Akpabio, the disciplinary, however, proposed her suspension following the conclusion of its investigation.
The six-month suspension, including withdrawal of th embattled Kogi lawmaker’s security details and stoppage of her salary and other remunerations, were approved by the Senate.
Reacting at a Press Conference held on Tuesday, the Labour Party’s National Youth President, Kennedy Ahanotu, slammed Imasuen over his involvement in the case.
Ahanotu, speaking on behalf of Nigerian youths, accused Imasuen of offering himself as a willing tool to perpetuate what has been widely described as injustice and the humiliation of a youthful voice in the senate.
He also faulted that hastiness of the investigative panel’s hearing which was initially set for 11th of March but was rescheduled to 5th of March.
“Though we are members of the Labour Party, but this briefing is done on behalf of the Nigerian Youths who see me as their leader and voice in times like this, when their rights are trampled and injustices meted.
“We have chosen not to be silenced or forced to keep silent in the face of abuse of privilege by some privileged individuals who are hiding under the cover of hallowed chambers of the National Assembly.
“The recent development in the revered red chamber of the 10th National Assembly over the past week has prompted us to call for this media briefing.
“It’s no longer news that one non-compliant Labour Party, Senator, Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District was used as a willing tool to perpetuate what has been widely described as injustice and the humiliation of a Youthful voice in the senate, Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan without proper investigation.
“We, the Nigerian youths, have in clear terms, condemn such rascality perpetrated by the Ethics and Privilege committee led by Neda Imasuen in clear violation of an order of the court.
“It’s clear to the Nigerian youths that an investigative panel, which was set for 11th March 2025, was mysteriously rescheduled to hold on 5th March 2025. Our question remains, “What is the haste for???”
“It is on record that this 10th Senate is not known to have shown much urgency or speed in most of their public hearing that has direct bearing with public interest such as the call for the amendment of the electoral act that will lead to electoral reform; or security sector or economic reforms, amongst others, but they were in a haste to suspend an opposition voice using a readily available, unseasoned opposition senator who has never added any value to the Labour Party since he was elected.” Ahanotu said.
While demanding for the immediate withdrawal of Natasha’s suspension, the LP Youth Leader also charged the Edo South Senatorial District to commence the immediate recall process of Imasuen for his poor representation and conduct at the Senate.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to save the face of the nation by speaking up against the humiliation suffered by the female gender in Nigerian politics.
Ahanotu finally charged Akpabio to present himself for investigation by an unbiased arm of government.
He held that the Senate President cannot continue to use his privilege position to frustrate the call for justice by the victim, Senator Natasha.
“Given such a hasty decision to suspend Natasha, Senator Neda Imasuen and his subsequent posturing afterwards has no doubt left everyone in shock about his possible dislike for womenfolk, a character which may be construed as being a misogynist.
“To the best of our knowledge, the Labour Party is a party for social democrats with tremendous respect for the female gender and the youth alike. It also believes so much in the principles of fair hearing, rule of law and gender parity.
“We therefore make the following demands:
“The 10th Senate should immediately rescind the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and reconstitute a morally and mentally balanced committee to do proper investigative hearing of the matter to salvage the already tainted image of the 10th Senate. We demand that Senator Neda Imasuen be recused from the reconstituted Committee.
“The Nigerians Youths are by this statement calling on the people of Edo South to immediately commence a recall process for Senator Neda Imasuen for his poor representation and conduct at the Senate.
“On the matter concerning the distinguished Senator Natasha, it has been observed that Senator Imasuen has not satisfactorily applied internationally accepted principles of fair hearing in making recommendation which led to the controversial suspension of distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“We urge President Bola Tinubu to save the face of Nigeria in the Committee of Nations by speaking up against the humiliation suffered by the female gender in the Nigerian politics of which his wife as a serving Senator in the 9th Assembly also faced. Mr President must ensure that his government work to preserve the democratic principles of fairness and rule of law.
“The Nigerians Youths are also demanding that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio must present himself for investigation by an unbiased arm of government.
“He cannot continue to use his privilege position to frustrate the call for justice by the victim, Senator Natasha. A situation where one man will be a judge in his own matter like Senator Akpabio did must be denounced and condemned.
“In conclusion, we shall continue to speak despite the intimidating and threatening political environment in Nigeria ochestrtaed by the current rulling oligarchy.” he said.