Human rights advocate Precious Oruche has criticized the 10th National Assembly, describing it as “one of the worst” in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Oruche’s criticism stemmed from the ongoing saga involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended by the Senate for six months.
The rights advocate, who appeared on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, decried the Senate’s refusal to honour a court judgement believed to have called for the recall of the suspended senator.
According to him, “They (Senate) see Nigerians as jokers, as a joke. Nigeria has become an open crime scene, but let them be aware that this generation will fix it. We will not allow them to abuse the judiciary. Lawmakers are now lawbreakers.
“This 10th Assembly is one of the worst Nigeria has ever had, and people need to call it what it is. The court has ordered Senator Natasha to be recalled,” Oruche claimed.
Oruche accused the National Assembly of disregarding the constitution and disobeying court orders in the case of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
She expressed disappointment that the Senate has refused to honour a court judgement that called for the senator’s recall.
Oruche says the Senate’s actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the judiciary and the rule of law.
The human rights advocate emphasised that the Nigerian Constitution clearly stated that all court decisions were binding and must be respected by everyone, including the Senate.
She also cited Section 287 of the Constitution, which stipulated that the decisions of the court are binding on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
Oruche condemned the Senate’s actions as an abuse of power, particularly in suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for an extended period despite court interventions declaring such actions illegal.
She argued that the suspension denies the senator’s constituents their right to representation.
The advocate also criticised a recent ruling by Justice Nyako, in which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was fined N5 million despite the judge’s earlier declaration that the case was not properly before her.
Oruche found it shocking that the judge gave a verdict on a case she had declared was not before her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had attempted to resume her duties at the National Assembly, but was denied access.
Oruche defended the senator’s actions, saying that she was simply trying to resume her responsibility as ordered by the court.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 for alleged breach of Senate rules after accusing Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
The Senate disciplinary committee dismissed her claims on procedural grounds and imposed a six-month suspension.
She has since taken legal action and spoken internationally on the issue, maintaining that her suspension was illegal and politically motivated.
The controversy surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension highlighted the need for the National Assembly to respect the constitution and court orders.
The Senate’s actions have been criticized as an abuse of power, and the matter continues to unfold.
