A leading Gambian legislator, Hon. Fatoumatta Njai, has urged Nigeria’s Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that her prolonged suspension defies a court ruling and undermines West Africa’s democratic standards.
In a letter dated September 9, NjaiChair of The Gambia’s Gender and Children’s Welfare Committee and a Pan-African Parliament member—condemned the Senate’s refusal to admit Akpoti-Uduaghan despite a July 4 court judgment overturning her six-month suspension.
“The Senate should obey the courts. In law, one must comply first, then challenge,” Njai wrote, calling the continued exclusion a “total affront to the rule of law” and a threat to dissenting voices.
She warned that silencing Akpoti-Uduaghan sends a troubling signal to West Africa:
“Leadership is not about silencing voices—especially those who speak truth with courage and integrity. Natasha represents the hopes of millions of women and youths across Nigeria and beyond.”
Njai appealed to Nigeria, ECOWAS’s largest democracy, to set the standard by respecting judicial orders and ensuring full representation.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” she stressed. “Nigeria needs all its voices at the table. Senator Natasha must resume her duties without further delay.”
Her statement adds to mounting regional and civil society pressure on the Senate, framing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic commitment.
