A human rights advocate, Precious Oruche, has expressed displeasure with the operation and activities of the 10th National Assembly led by Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking on Wednesday during a Channels Television interview against the backdrop of the suspension of Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Oruche stated that Nigeria has become an open crime scene that needs to be fixed.
She said the 10th National Assembly is “one of the worst” in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The advocate spoke against the backdrop of the Senate’s refusal to honour a court judgement believed to have called for the recall of the suspended senator.
“They (Senate) see Nigerians as jokers, as a joke. Nigeria has become an open crime scene, but let them be aware that this generation will fix it. We will not allow them to abuse the judiciary. Lawmakers are now lawbreakers.
“This 10th Assembly is one of the worst Nigeria has ever had, and people need to call it what it is. The court has ordered Senator Natasha to be recalled,” Oruche claimed.
She stated that the decision of the court is binding on everyone in Nigeria, but in the case of Natasha, the Senate is attempting to sabotage the truth and twist the ruling in its favour.
“It’s stated clearly in the Constitution that a judgement is a decision of the court and a judgement can come in different ways—as a conviction, recommendation, order, sentence… and section 287 (of the Constitution) says the decision of the court is binding on anybody in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“When people come and try to twist their tongues, finding a way to sabotage the truth, fact, and law is just embarrassing and disheartening. The court has said this is excessive and unconstitutional. Whatever laws you have in your Senate, as long as it is not constitutional, it deserve to be called out and repaired,” she stated.
Oruche particularly accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of flagrant abuse of power and intentionally twisting the truth to be able to flout the court order on Senator Natasha’s suspension.
“You cannot suspend a senator for 180 days — you are denying their people the right to representation. What Akpabio is doing is a flagrant abuse of power. Let’s call a spade a spade and stop this.
“Let’s save Nigeria. So, let’s watch as Senator Godswill Akpabio flaunts court order and finds a way to twist the narrative,” she said.
On the decision by Justice Binta Nyako to fine Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦5 million despite the judge’s earlier declaration that the case was not properly before her, the activist expressed shock over the Judge’s position.
She said, “It was shocking to see the judge give a verdict on the case she clearly said was not before her, fining Natasha ₦5 million. Of course, she should appeal. Natasha is appealing the case of contempt.”
Court Has Ordered Her Recall
Oruche argued that the court has ordered the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume legislative duties.
“The court has ordered the Senate to recall Natasha.
“The flagrant abuse of power has been for long too ignored, and so she just went there to resume her responsibility, which I don’t see as a crime. The court has ordered,” she said.