In a dramatic turn of events, constituents of Edo South Senatorial District have initiated moves to recall their senator, Neda Imasuen, citing allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and betrayal of public trust. The embattled Labour Party (LP) lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, is at the center of a firestorm involving a controversial sexual harassment petition filed by suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
At a press briefing in Benin City, representatives from five out of the seven local government areas in the district declared a loss of confidence in Imasuen, issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Senate, and anti-graft agencies to take immediate action on their petition.
Among those spearheading the recall process are Kola Edokpayi (Oredo), Caesar Garrick (Ikpoba-Okha), Aghatise Raphael (Ovia South West), Ogbu David (Uhunwode), Okorie Kingsley (Ovia North East), and Hanson Orako (Egor).
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved constituents, the group stated: “We have established a platform to raise awareness and facilitate the recall process for failed legislators in Edo South. It is evident that Senator Neda Imasuen has maintained a disturbing silence in the Senate, and as the saying goes, ‘silence gives consent.’ In the words of Dante Alighieri in The Divine Comedy, ‘The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who, in times of moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.’”
The group announced plans for a world press conference to galvanize support for the recall process, insisting that the senator has failed to deliver constituency projects, engage with his people, or uphold transparency and accountability in his legislative duties.
The controversy surrounding Senator Imasuen deepened after revelations surfaced about his alleged disbarment by the New York Supreme Court in 2010. According to the petition, Senator Imasuen was permanently disbarred by the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Department, on May 10, 2010, over allegations of professional misconduct, fraud, misappropriation of client funds, and failure to cooperate with disciplinary authorities.
The complaint that led to his disbarment was reportedly filed by one Daphne Slyfield, who accused him of misappropriating legal fees. Despite this, the senator is alleged to have concealed this information from Nigerian authorities and continued to practice law in the country while venturing into politics.
The petitioners argue that Imasuen deliberately omitted this critical detail in his INEC Form EC-9 – the document requiring candidates to disclose personal and professional history before contesting public office. They are now demanding an international investigation into his background, calling on INTERPOL to ensure a thorough and independent inquiry into his past.
Further fueling the crisis is the claim by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that Imasuen played a key role in orchestrating her suspension from the Senate in violation of a court order.
On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions—chaired by Imasuen—from investigating her over alleged misconduct during a plenary session on February 20, 2025. However, despite being served the court order on March 5, 2025, Senator Imasuen proceeded with the investigation, leading to her suspension on March 6, 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her petition before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, described Imasuen’s actions as contempt of court, citing Rule 31 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners (2023), which mandates respect for judicial authority. She further accused him of procedural bias, stating that while he dismissed her sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on procedural grounds, he actively pursued disciplinary action against her.
The unfolding drama has ignited widespread calls for accountability. Constituents insist that Imasuen’s tenure has been marked by a lack of constituency engagement, absence of developmental projects, and an overall disregard for ethical governance.
With mounting pressure from his constituents and the potential for legal repercussions, the embattled senator faces an uncertain political future. As the recall process gathers momentum, all eyes will be on INEC, the Senate leadership, and anti-corruption agencies to determine the fate of Neda Imasuen.
The next few weeks promise to be pivotal in shaping the political landscape of Edo South, with implications that could reverberate across Nigeria’s legislative sphere.
PIONEER NEWS 