Lawyer to Senator Natasha Uduaghan, Victor Giwa, has faulted the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio over his failure to notify his client about the reallocation of her Senate seat, describing the action as a violation of the Senate’s Standing Rules.
Speaking on Arise TV over the matter, Giwa stated that under Order 25 of the Senate’s Standing Order, it is the Senate President’s responsibility to ensure due process is followed in such matters.
Giwa also cited a previous incident where the Senate President made a controversial remark against Senator Natasha, saying that the infamous action is uncalled for.
He said since that incident, Senator Natasha has faced continued marginalisation that is unacceptable and contrary to global practice.
Giwa further clarified that Senator Natasha is not challenging the Senate President’s power to reassign seats but is demanding adherence to due process.
He added that the Senate President, as a presiding officer, is bound by the same rules as every other Senator.
Giwa also suggested that Senator Natasha Uduaghan’s ordeal could be linked to gender discrimination, pointing out that the Senate President had a similar confrontation with another female senator, Ireti Kingibe.
The lawyer concluded by urging the Senate President to uphold the principles of fairness and due process in his leadership.
He said: “When a Senator’s seat is reassigned, it is the duty of the Senate President to ensure that the Clerk of the Senate formally communicates such changes to the affected Senator.
“In this case, was Senator Uduaghan informed? The answer is no. This is a failure on the part of the National Assembly.”