Senate’s rejection of Natasha’s return ‘display of impunity’ – Ex-Kaduna Commissioner

A former Kaduna State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Mark Jacobs, has condemned the Senate’s refusal to reinstate suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as a “display of impunity gone wild.”

Mr Jacobs, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, insisted the lawmaker had the constitutional right to resume her seat without waiting for the conclusion of her court challenge.

“What I see is a further display of impunity gone wild. The Senate has always insisted that nobody, including the courts, should interfere with its constitutional powers to discipline members,” he declared.

Nigerian NewsDirect reports that Senate had on Tuesday acknowledged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to resume after serving a six-month suspension but blocked her return.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for alleged breaches of Senate rules. She filed a legal challenge in July and made an unsuccessful attempt to retake her seat before the expiration of her suspension.