“The problem with Nigeria is not the lack of institutions but the challenge has always been that the existing institutions have under-performed or have been hijacked, domesticated and used for certain group interests.”

Femi Falana, SAN
(Human Rights Lawyer)

Dear {{First name|Active Citizen}},

Back again with Senator Natasha and the National Assembly: the case moved through the courts since our last update - and the outcome raises urgent questions.

The court found Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 6-month suspension excessive and unlawful, but Justice Binta Nyako stopped short of ordering her return to the Senate. Senator Natasha has now served out her suspension, but the Senate is saying because the matter is in court, she can't return to work. For six months, Kogi Central - over half a million Nigerians - have been denied representation in the Senate. That is not discipline; that is disenfranchisement.

Let’s be clear: the Constitution lists how a lawmaker may lose a seat - defection, conviction, resignation, or recall. Indefinite suspension is not one of them. Locking out an elected representative is the same as silencing an entire constituency. If Kogi Central can be silenced today, any constituency can be silenced tomorrow.

Call your National Assembly members. Demand that they honour the Constitution on representation and restore Natasha’s mandate.

Find and contact your reps here.

Democracy only works when citizens act.

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Have a great weekend!
The EiE Nigeria Team.