THE former Kaduna State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mark Jacobs, has called for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to be allowed back into the Senate following the completion of her six-month suspension.
The Senate, during plenary yesterday, acknowledged a letter from the Kogi Central lawmaker notifying them of her intention to resume.
However, the upper chamber maintained that her case would not be addressed until an ongoing court process is concluded.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Jacobs faulted the Senate’s stance, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had elapsed and she should be allowed to return without delay.
He described the Senate’s position as “impunity gone wild,” accusing lawmakers of double standards.
“The same Senate that claims courts should not interfere in its internal affairs is now hiding behind a court process to delay her resumption. Six months means six months. She ought to have resumed without hesitation,” he said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for alleged violations of Senate rules. She later challenged the suspension in court and attempted to resume in July, but was unsuccessful.
Jacobs further criticised the Senate for stalling judicial proceedings through endless objections rather than allowing the case to be determined on its merits.
“If they have evidence against her, let it be heard in court. But they cannot keep frustrating the case and simultaneously deny her seat after the suspension period has ended,” he argued.