Human rights advocate Precious Oruche has condemned Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, calling it “one of the worst” in the nation’s democratic history. She accused lawmakers of disregarding the Constitution and defying court orders concerning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Oruche criticised the Senate for failing to comply with a court judgement believed to have directed the immediate recall of the senator.
“They treat Nigerians like a joke. The country has become an open crime scene. But this generation will fix it. We won’t allow the judiciary to be abused. Lawmakers have become lawbreakers,” she said.
Oruche stated that the Constitution clearly makes court rulings binding on all citizens and institutions, including the Senate.
“It’s unambiguous in Section 287. A judgement is a decision of the court—whether it’s a conviction, recommendation, or order—and it is binding on everyone in Nigeria. Twisting the truth and the law is disheartening,” she added.
She further criticised the Senate’s recurring pattern of suspending lawmakers despite previous court interventions declaring such suspensions illegal.
“You cannot suspend a senator for 180 days. That denies constituents their right to representation. What Akpabio is doing is a blatant abuse of power. It must be called out,” she said.
Oruche also criticised a recent judgement by Justice Nyako, who fined Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦5 million after previously stating the case was not properly before her. “It was shocking. She should definitely appeal. Natasha is appealing the contempt case,” she said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had attempted to return to the Senate this week, citing a Federal High Court order directing her recall. Security personnel, however, blocked her entry, even as supporters and activists, including Aisha Yesufu, accompanied her.
Oruche defended the senator’s attempt, stating, “She simply went to resume her duties. That is not a crime. The court has already ordered her recall.”
Despite the court’s directive, the Senate has appealed the ruling. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said no enforceable court order currently exists and warned Akpoti-Uduaghan against “storming” the chambers, calling it premature and disrespectful to due process.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on 6 March after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office—claims dismissed by the Senate’s disciplinary committee. The Senate imposed a six-month suspension, which the senator has since challenged in court and at international forums, claiming political victimisation.
She also faces separate defamation and cybercrime charges in Abuja courts. However, in a 4 July judgement, Justice Nyako ruled that while the Senate may discipline its members, it must not undermine the right of citizens to representation.