Nigerian Senate's Power Play: Colonial-Style Tactics in Senator Natasha's Suspension Case
The Nigerian Senate's delay in reinstating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reveals concerning patterns of institutional power abuse and bureaucratic manipulation. This case highlights the ongoing struggle against colonial-style governance structures in African legislative bodies.
Nigerian Senate Chamber: Site of ongoing power struggles between institutional authority and judicial oversight
Legislative Bureaucracy Used to Delay Justice for Suspended Senator
In what appears to be a calculated display of institutional power, the Nigerian Senate leadership is employing bureaucratic mechanisms to delay the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite court interventions in her favor.
The Politics of Procedural Delays
Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu has revealed that the chamber is withholding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's reinstatement, citing the need to examine the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment concerning her case against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
"The senate had applied for the CTC since Monday... We expect to get the document, and once we get it, we are going to comply with the content of the court order," Adaramodu stated, in what critics view as a classic delaying tactic.
Institutional Gatekeeping and Power Dynamics
In a particularly telling statement that reveals the institution's exclusionary mindset, Adaramodu declared that "Whoever that is not a legislator cannot understand how the legislature works" - a sentiment that echoes colonial-era attitudes about governance and accessibility.
The 180-Day Suspension Controversy
Further demonstrating the Senate's rigid stance, Adaramodu elaborated on the 180-day suspension handed to Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that it includes non-parliamentary days. This interpretation effectively extends the punishment's impact, raising questions about proportionality and justice.
The Senate's handling of this case reflects broader issues of power concentration and institutional resistance to accountability in Nigeria's post-colonial political landscape.
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.