Human rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has praised the Federal High Court in Abuja for protecting Nigeria’s democracy. The court ruled that the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was illegal.
Idam explained that the Senate is not the property of any individual. He said it should not be used for personal revenge, but to serve the people of Nigeria.
Natasha was suspended from the Senate for six months. This happened after she couldn’t provide strong evidence to support her claim that Senate President Godswill Akpabio sexually harassed her.
Natasha went to court to challenge the suspension. Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the suspension was too much and unfair to the people Natasha was elected to represent.
Idam said this judgment helped save Nigeria’s democracy, which he described as “shaky” and under threat.
In a statement he released, Idam said the court acted like a saviour. He praised the judiciary for stepping in at the right time to defend democracy. He added that the court is not just a place of justice for regular Nigerians, but also a protector of government institutions.
Idam asked how Natasha would have returned to the Senate if not for the court’s ruling, given the way the current leadership operates.
He joked that without the court’s help, Natasha might have had to kneel down with her husband and offer a keg of palm wine to beg Akpabio, even though she isn’t Fubara.
According to Idam, this case is not only about Natasha. It’s about stopping powerful politicians from suspending elected lawmakers unfairly. The court’s decision has set a strong example that such abuse of power won’t be allowed anymore.
He also criticised Fubara for not showing the same courage. Idam said Fubara should have gone to court to defend Nigeria’s democracy but instead chose to protect his own political interests.
Idam called on Nigerians to let the Senate know that Natasha is not returning like the “prodigal son” who was forgiven but not fully restored. She should get back everything she had before the illegal suspension.
He ended by reminding everyone that the Senate belongs to the people of Nigeria — not to any one person. He said personal grudges must not stand in the way of public service.
