A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has asked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to investigate allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Neda Imasuen.
The CSOs were reacting to the sexual harassment allegations levelled against Akpabio by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi central lawmaker.
BACKGROUND
On March 6, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for “gross misconduct” after a dispute over seating arrangements with Akpabio.
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She had previously accused the senate president of sexual harassment. But the senate president had denied sexually harassing the Kogi lawmaker.
Afterwards, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a contempt case against Imasuen, the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, and Akpabio over her suspension.
Before her suspension, the federal high court in Abuja had restrained the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
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Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, gave the order following an ex parte application filed by counsels to the Kogi senator. But the senator was suspended 48 hours after.
On March 19, Egwuatu lifted his March 4 order stopping the senate from suspending the Kogi senator and subsequently withdrew from the case over bias allegations by Akpabio.
On March 28, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a petition before the LPDC seeking Imasuen’s disbarment as a lawyer.
The Kogi lawmaker alleged in her petition that Imasuen was disbarred by the New York Supreme Court in 2010 “for fraud, misappropriation of client’s funds, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities.”
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‘JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED’
In a statement on Wednesday, the CSOs said the allegations “strike at the core of Nigeria’s legal profession, the rule of law, and democratic integrity”.
The organisations said both Akpabio and Imasuen are legal practitioners called to the Nigerian Bar and are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards.
“Rather than stepping aside for a fair investigation, Akpabio has refused to recuse himself, contradicting fundamental legal principles,” the statement reads.
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“This is not the first time Senator Akpabio has faced such allegations. In 2020, Joy Nunieh, former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), also accused him of sexual harassment.
“His refusal to engage in transparent investigations raises serious ethical concerns.”
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The CSOs said Akpabio’s “role in orchestrating” the six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan is a “clear abuse of power” and undermines Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
The coalition also drew a parallel with Imasuen’s “US fraud indictment”, adding that his recommendation for the suspension of the Kogi lawmaker reflects his “disregard for ethical governance.”
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“We demand urgent intervention from all relevant stakeholders to restore credibility to the legal profession and governance structures,” the CSOs said.
“The NBA, LPDC, and National Assembly must act now to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
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“A thorough, independent investigation must be conducted, ensuring appropriate sanctions where necessary.”
The coalition also asked the senate to revisit Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition and suspension, ensuring compliance with constitutional principles and judicial precedents.
The statement was jointly signed by Citizens Gavel Foundation for Social Justice, EiE Nigeria, Advocates for the Promotion of Digital Rights and Civic Interactions Initiative, TAP Initiative, and Global Rights Advocates for Sustainable Justice.
