HALLOWMACE FOUNDATION AFRICA, Abuja, Nigeria
(Advocating Equity, Governance, and Justice )
*DATE:* July 25, 2025
Call for Dialogue: HallowMace Foundation Urges Resolution On National Assembly Access Concerns
HallowMace Foundation Africa, a nonpartisan advocate for governance equity, issues this statement regarding recent developments at Nigeria’s National Assembly.
We encourage constructive dialogue to resolve the current impasse involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s access to legislative proceedings, following the July 4, 2025 Federal High Court ruling.
1) *Context For Mediation*
1. *Judicial Ruling:*
On July 4, 2025, Nigeria’s Federal High Court nullified Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, citing constitutional proportionality concerns. The ruling affirmed legislative disciplinary powers while underscoring constituents’ representation rights.
2. *July 22 Incident:*
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was reportedly denied entry to the National Assembly complex on July 22, 2025. Security personnel referenced internal directives, though conflicting interpretations exist regarding the enforceability of the court ruling during pending appeals.
3. *Institutional Process:*
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal against the ruling. Legal experts note such appeals may complicate immediate compliance pending judicial clarification.
*II. HallowMace Foundation’s Stance: Toward Reconciliation*
As an impartial governance advocate, we:
– *Acknowledge complexities* in balancing legislative autonomy, judicial authority, and representation rights.
– *Highlight shared priorities:* Upholding Nigeria’s democratic integrity, constituent representation, and respect for separation of powers.
– *Express concern* that prolonged uncertainty may inadvertently disenfranchise Kogi Central constituents and erode public trust.
*III. Proposed Path Forward: Collaborative Solutions*
We urge all stakeholders to pursue mediated resolution through:
1. *Dialogue Framework:*
* Immediate multi-party talks between Senate leadership, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and judicial representatives.
* Temporary workable arrangements ensuring Kogi Central’s representation during appeal proceedings.
2. *Independent Mediation Panel:*
* Establishment of a neutral body to:
* Clarify implementation protocols for court rulings during appeals.
* Review alignment of Senate disciplinary procedures with constitutional principles.
3. *Transparency Measures:*
* Public clarification of the July 22 security protocols.
* Joint commitment to avoid escalation while respecting ongoing legal processes.
*IV. Conclusion: Unity in Democratic Values*
HallowMace Foundation Africa offers its good offices to facilitate reconciliation talks. We believe Nigeria’s democratic resilience lies in resolving institutional disagreements through dialogue and not confrontation. All parties share the noble goal of strengthening our democracy for every Nigerian.
Signed,
Sunny Anderson Osiebe
Executive Director
*HallowMace Foundation Africa*
