The National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (LP), Kennedy Ahanotu, has called for the suspension of Senator Neda Imasuen, the LP lawmaker representing Edo South in the Senate. Ahanotu accused Imasuen of mishandling the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, labeling his actions as unjust and a betrayal of democratic principles.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Ahanotu condemned Imasuen’s role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. He alleged that the senator played a key role in what many see as a rushed and unfair process that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
Ahanotu criticized the sudden change in the investigative panel’s hearing date, moving it from March 11 to March 5, calling it suspicious. He further questioned Imasuen’s motives, hinting at gender bias, and reaffirmed the LP’s commitment to justice, fair hearing, and gender equality.
He also accused the 10th Senate of prioritizing political battles over critical issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, including electoral reforms and national security. The youth leader stressed that suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan was an indirect punishment to her constituents, robbing them of proper representation.
The LP youth wing has now issued several demands, including:
- Immediate reversal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
- Reconstitution of a fair and impartial investigative committee.
- Recusal of Senator Imasuen from the reconstituted panel.
- A recall process for Imasuen by the people of Edo South due to poor representation.
Ahanotu further urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and uphold democratic values, stating that Nigerian women, especially in politics, should not be subjected to humiliation. He also called for an independent investigation into Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s alleged role in the matter, accusing him of using his position to suppress calls for justice.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked nationwide debate, with many urging the Senate to uphold transparency and fairness in its proceedings.
