The Labour Party (LP) has called for the immediate recall of Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South Senatorial District, over his alleged role in the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Labour Party leaders, led by Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, criticized Imasuen’s actions, describing them as a betrayal of the party’s principles and an abuse of legislative privilege.
The party also demanded an immediate reversal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension by the 10th Senate, insisting that due process was not followed.
Ahanotu emphasized that this demand was not just from the Labour Party but also on behalf of Nigerian youths who feel sidelined and unjustly treated.
“It is unacceptable that a Labour Party senator, Neda Imasuen, played an active role in the suspension of a fellow senator without a proper investigation. This act, driven by political interests, is a clear violation of the principles of justice and fair hearing,” Ahanotu stated.
The party raised concerns over the apparent rush in the proceedings, noting that the Ethics and Privileges Committee, initially set to hear the case on March 11, 2025, mysteriously rescheduled it for March 5, 2025, raising questions about undue political interference.
“We cannot ignore the fact that this Senate, which has shown little urgency in addressing critical national issues such as electoral reforms, security, and economic policies, was suddenly in a hurry to suspend an opposition voice,” the statement continued.
Labour Party further accused Senator Imasuen of failing to represent the values of the party, suggesting that his actions reflected a bias against female political figures.
“The Labour Party stands for gender equality, fair hearing, and the rule of law. Senator Imasuen’s actions contradict these principles, making him unfit to continue representing Edo South under the party’s platform,” Ahanotu added.
In response to the suspension, the party issued a set of demands:
- The 10th Senate must immediately lift the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and reconstitute an independent committee to review the matter fairly.
- Senator Imasuen should be excluded from any reconstituted investigative panel due to his perceived bias.
- The people of Edo South should begin the recall process for Senator Imasuen, given his failure to uphold the interests of his constituents and the party.
- President Bola Tinubu should intervene to uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of women in Nigerian politics, as his wife, a former senator, once faced similar challenges.
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio must subject himself to an independent investigation over his role in the suspension, ensuring that no lawmaker is allowed to act as both judge and defendant in their own case.
The Party reaffirmed its commitment to standing against injustice, vowing to resist any attempts to silence opposition voices.
“We will continue to speak out, despite the intimidating and oppressive political atmosphere in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
