“Okutepa Slams Senate President: Seat Change Scandal Highlights Constitutional Violations!”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, has sharply criticized Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio over his handling of the altercation involving Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and the change of her seat in the Senate. In a statement released on Sunday night, Okutepa raised questions about the legality, fairness, and rationale behind the decision to relocate Akpoti Uduaghan’s seat without prior notification.
Okutepa emphasized that even though the Senate may have the authority to reassign seats, the decision should not be arbitrary. He strongly argued that senators are entitled to be informed about such changes and to protest if they feel their rights are violated. He specifically criticized the treatment of Akpoti Uduaghan for protesting the decision, accusing the Senate President of disregarding her constitutional rights to a fair hearing.
Okutepa Slams Senate for Unfair Treatment of Senator Akpoti Uduaghan Over Seat Change
The controversy began when Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan’s seat was moved without prior notice, sparking her protest. While some legal experts, including Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, supported the Senate President’s authority to change seats, Okutepa disagreed. He stated that Akpoti Uduaghan had every right to demand an explanation for the change and challenge the move if it seemed unfair.
“Even if the Senate has the right to change seats, are the senators not entitled to be told and given reasons for the change? Was Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan not entitled to be told why her seat was changed?” Okutepa asked, arguing that constitutional rights should take precedence over internal Senate rules.
Jibrin Okutepa Condemns Senate’s Handling of Akpoti Uduaghan’s Seat Dispute, Questions Constitutional Compliance
Okutepa went on to raise broader concerns about the Senate’s adherence to the Nigerian Constitution, noting that there have been instances of senators defecting from political parties without any legal consequences, despite constitutional provisions requiring their seats to be declared vacant. He questioned whether the Senate President had fulfilled his constitutional duties in these cases.
Additionally, Okutepa criticized the Senate’s approach to confirming executive appointments, dismissing it as a mere formality where nominees are given little scrutiny. He mocked the inconsistency in how Senate rules were applied, particularly in this seat change scenario, while constitutional violations went unchecked.
Okutepa: Senate’s Seat Change Controversy Highlights Lack of Respect for Constitutional Rights
Okutepa also called for the Senate to focus on more pressing national issues, rather than engaging in trivial disputes over seating arrangements. He asserted that Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan should be allowed to continue her work in the Senate without harassment or intimidation, and that Nigerians would resist any efforts to sideline her.
He concluded by urging the Senate to prioritize legislation that promotes good governance and peace, rather than perpetuating unnecessary conflicts over minor matters. Okutepa’s statements reflect broader concerns over the Senate’s commitment to constitutional integrity and the fair treatment of elected officials.
