Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has praised the Abuja Federal High Court’s judgment declaring the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as illegal, saying it saved Nigeria’s “shaky” democracy.
The court’s decision has been hailed as a hero of Nigeria’s threatened democracy, with Idam stating that the judiciary has once again proven itself to be the savior of institutions.
Idam stressed that the Nigerian Senate is not anyone’s personal property, but rather an institution of Nigeria, and that personal vendetta should give way for service to the nation.
He noted that the judgment has set a precedent against reckless abuse of power and privileges by members of the National Assembly or presiding officers.
According to him, the judgment has significant implications for Nigeria’s democracy, as it limits the arbitrary suspension of elected members of the National Assembly.
Idam contrasted Senator Natasha’s situation with that of Fubara, saying that while Fubara lacked the courage to stand up for Nigeria’s democracy, Natasha’s case has set a new standard for the protection of elected officials’ rights.
He concluded that the court’s judgment is a victory for Nigeria’s democracy, and it serves as a warning to the Senate leadership that arbitrary actions will no longer be tolerated.
As Idam put it, “The Nigerian Senate is no man’s personal property but the institution of Nigeria.”