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By Sunday Ani
A Nigeria lawyer based in Canada, Arinze Abiakam has tackled the Senate for refusing to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties after serving out her six-month suspension.
Abiakam in a statement said the refusal has added a new twist to the controversy. He said Nigerians had looked up to the Senate be the defender of the rule of law but their actions during the suspension saga had fallen far short of expectation.
He faulted the participation of Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, SAN, in the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions proceedings of March 5, 2025, which he said, disregarded a subsisting court order in pursuit of a predetermined outcome.
He expressed dismay that the proceedings were presided over by Senator Neda Imaseun.
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“It is most unfortunate that such proceedings were given legitimacy by Adebonmire’s participation and signature,” Abiakam said, adding that the incident had eroded the respect he once held for the senior lawyer. He also said his conduct has raised doubt about his capacity for statesmanship and national leadership, even as he urged him to realign his actions with the solemn obligation of his office.
He further condemned the Senate’s refusal to comply with a court ruling, which declared Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension excessive, overreaching and fully spent.
He warned that the Senate’s stance not only undermines judicial authority but also sets a dangerous precedent that strikes at the foundation of democracy.
“Any bad precedent set today to please the transient ambitions of political leaders, such as Senator Akpabio, will undoubtedly return to haunt you in the future,” Abiakam cautioned.
“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, your foremost duty is to the law, to justice, and to the constitutional order. Anything less is a betrayal of the privilege and honour of the rank you bear,” he said.
