The Akwa Ibom state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Tuesday condemned Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, calling it illegal and vindictive.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the ADC state chairman, Mr. Dick Duke, and the ADC spokesman, Manfred Ekpe Jr. and made available to blueprint in Uyo.
The ADC questioned the moral grounds of Senator Neda Bennards Imasuen, who headed the Senate Ethical Committee that recommended the suspension of the senator.
“The African Democratic Congress, Akwa Ibom state chapter, has watched with chagrin and nausea the capture of the Nigerian Senate by a cabal of questionable character who have turned the Senate into a House of fraud, vendetta, suppression of women’s rights, oppression against freedom of speech, misogyny, violation of the rule of law, and, who are not fit to walk the streets of decent societies with decent people but yet are rulers of Nigeria.
“ADC questions the moral grounds that Senator Imasuen is standing on to question the moral and ethical conduct of senators or decent men and women in Nigeria or at all. “
The ADC alleged that Imasuen’s committee report was illegal and fraudulent and that he had violated the principle of audi altarem partem, which guarantees the right to fair hearing.
The party also criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for presiding over the matter, despite being accused by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The ADC called for an impartial investigation into the sexual harassment claims and demanded that Imasuen resign from the Senate.
Furthermore, the ADC noted that the suspension was disproportionate to the alleged offense and inferred malice and vindictiveness.
The party also questioned the motive behind the smear campaigns against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, which included “false claims about her personal life.”
The party threatened to take further lawful steps, including petitioning international governments and agencies.