A law firm, Emmanuel Umahi Ekwe Esq, Principal Partner of EE Umahi and Associates has faulted the Nigerian Senate’s decision to extend the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti beyond the initial six months handed her.

In a press release made available to Blueprint on Sunday the 10th of September 2025 in Abuja, Mr. Umahi described the extension as unlawful and a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional principles and the doctrine of separation of powers.

According to Umahi, Section 66(5) of the 1999 Constitution clearly limits the duration of suspension for public officers, and Senator Akpoti has already served the full six-month period originally imposed.

The continued suspension without a final judicial ruling, he argued, constitutes an abuse of parliamentary authority and denies the senator her fundamental rights.

The legal practitioner emphasized that the Constitution guarantees a fair hearing under Section 36 and that blocking Senator Akpoti from resuming her legislative duties while her appeal is pending undermines due process and amounts to a judgment without trial. He declared the Senate’s indefinite refusal to reinstate her as rendering the appeal process ineffective and an affront to constitutional governance.

While calling for the immediate reversal of the suspension extension, Umahi urged the Nigerian Senate’s leadership to respect the role of the judiciary and restore Senator Akpoti to her seat.

 He warned that the ongoing breach threatens Nigeria’s democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for elected officials.

The statement from EE Umahi and Associates highlights growing concerns about adherence to constitutional norms within Nigeria’s legislative processes and underscores the importance of upholding justice and democratic rights.