Edo Constituents Launch Recall Bid Against Senator Imasuen Over Akpoti-Uduaghan Controversy

Benin City, Edo State – Constituents from Edo South Senatorial District have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Senate, and anti-graft agencies, demanding action on a petition seeking the recall of Senator Neda Imasuen.
The constituents, citing a “loss of confidence,” allege “failure, corruption, abuse of office, and betrayal of public trust” against the Labour Party (LP) senator. They specifically point to Imasuen’s handling of the sexual harassment petition filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Representatives from five of the seven local government areas within the district convened a press briefing in Benin City, asserting their right to “credible, accountable, and transparent leadership.” Spokespersons Kola Edokpayi (Oredo), Caesar Garrick (Ikpoba-Okha), Aghatise Raphael (Ovia South West), Ogbu David (Uhunwode), Okorie Kingsley (Ovia North East), and Hanson Orako (Egor) addressed the media.
“We have formed a platform to initiate the recall process of non-performing legislators in Edo South,” stated a representative. “Senator Neda Imasuen’s prolonged silence in the Senate has compelled us to pursue this action.”
The group further invoked Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” stating, “The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in a period of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality,” implying Imasuen’s inaction constituted complicity.
They announced plans for a “world press conference” to formally commence the recall process.
Beyond the Akpoti-Uduaghan controversy, the constituents accused Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, of neglecting constituency projects and distancing himself from the people.
They also demanded his prosecution regarding allegations of his 2010 disbarment by the New York State Supreme Court. “Given the international scope of these allegations, INTERPOL’s involvement is crucial for a comprehensive investigation,” they stated.
This recall effort follows reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has filed a petition with the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, seeking Imasuen’s disbarment from the Nigerian Bar. The petition alleges Imasuen was disbarred in New York for fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to respond to disciplinary authorities.
Akpoti-Uduaghan claims Imasuen failed to disclose his disbarment to INEC during his election campaign and accuses him of contempt of court, citing his defiance of a Federal High Court order restraining his committee from investigating her. She also alleges procedural bias, claiming he dismissed her sexual harassment petition against Akpabio while pursuing disciplinary action against her.