Akpabio Natasha Suspension: Abbo Alleges Bias and Danger
Former lawmaker Elisha Ishaku Abbo, who once represented Adamawa North, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of political bias, abuse of power, and contempt of court over the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
In a recent appearance on Arise News’ PrimeTime Show, Abbo declared that Akpabio’s actions not only defied court orders but also endangered Natasha’s life by withdrawing her official security.
Security Withdrawal Raises Alarm Over Natasha’s Safety
According to Abbo, the Senate President’s decision to suspend Natasha for six months went far beyond parliamentary discipline. It also included withdrawing her security detail and cutting off her salary.
“Akpabio acted like an emperor,” Abbo said. “He ordered her suspension, revoked her security, and barred her from the National Assembly premises.”
This, he insisted, created a dangerous situation.
“By removing her security, he exposed her to potential harm. That is not only unjust—it’s life-threatening.”
Abbo Calls Out Hypocrisy in the Senate
Abbo compared the situation to an incident in the 8th Senate when Akpabio had a public clash with then-Senate President Bukola Saraki over seating arrangements. Akpabio was not punished then.
“Why suspend Natasha now when Akpabio himself wasn’t suspended back in 2018?” Abbo asked. “This is selective justice.”
He argued that if Natasha’s offense was similar, the Senate’s actions were clearly driven by politics—not principle.
Contempt of Court? Senate Ignored Injunction on Natasha Case
Abbo also claimed that Natasha obtained a court injunction to stop the Senate from investigating her until her case was fully heard. Despite that, the Senate went ahead and suspended her.
“The Senate acted in contempt of court,” he said. “They violated a valid court order, then rushed to court after the fact to vacate the injunction.”
According to him, the judge later recused himself in what Abbo called a “cowardly” move, raising concerns about judicial independence.
No Legitimate Recall: Abbo Alleges Forgery in Campaign Against Natasha
Abbo dismissed reports of a recall campaign against Natasha, calling it a fraudulent political scheme. He claimed that signatures were forged and described the process as unconstitutional.
“Nobody can recall Natasha,” he said. “This isn’t a banana republic. We will resist every illegal move, and we will expose it.”
Democracy Under Pressure
The Akpabio Natasha suspension episode reflects deep cracks in Nigeria’s legislative process. From court disobedience to potential misuse of security protocols, the matter has grown beyond a Senate squabble. It now poses questions about the rule of law, political accountability, and institutional fairness in Nigeria.
Will the judiciary assert itself? Will lawmakers push back against perceived tyranny? Or will this moment pass like so many others in Nigeria’s political theater?
Only sustained public pressure and responsible leadership can decide that.
