The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, have criticised the Senate for blocking Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties even after completing her suspension.
Both groups described the Senate’s stance as unjust, undemocratic, and a troubling signal for Nigeria’s democracy.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Monday, September 22, said the refusal had left Kogi Central without representation in the National Assembly despite court judgments favouring the senator.
“The continued barring of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from performing her constitutional duties denies her constituents proper representation and raises concerns about respect for the rule of law,” the statement read.
The labour body maintained that using ongoing litigation as an excuse “is not in the spirit of democratic accountability” and effectively disenfranchises an entire senatorial district.
It further warned that the movement could be forced to mobilise nationwide if the situation was not corrected in line with democratic norms.
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Afenifere’s Secretary-General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, also faulted the Senate’s position during a media briefing in Akure.
He said the expiration of the six-month suspension on September 6 rendered any legal obstacle to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return “untenable.”
“It is difficult to still describe the matter as sub judice after the expiry of the suspension,” Ebiseni said. “The decision has denied the people of Kogi Central their constitutional right to representation in the Senate.”
He cautioned that the Senate, as the highest legislative authority in the country, should avoid creating a precedent that could embolden state assemblies to undermine the constitution.
“The refusal to allow her resumption is unjust not only to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but also to her constituents, who deserve to be fully represented,” he added.
Both NLC and Afenifere urged the Senate leadership to reverse its decision in the interest of justice, democracy, and national stability.