Just In: Court Rules Senate’s Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Excessive, Orders Recall
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted beyond its powers by suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The court has ordered her immediate recall to the Red Chamber.
Justice Binta Nyako described the suspension duration as “excessive” and without a clear legal foundation. According to the court, the Senate Standing Orders and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act do not stipulate a maximum suspension period, making the Senate’s action overreaching.
The judge pointed out that suspending a lawmaker for roughly 181 days, the same length as the legislative year, effectively silences the voice of an entire constituency—a move deemed unconstitutional. “While the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such sanctions must not go so far as to deny constituents their right to representation,” Nyako ruled.
However, the court sided with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on a separate issue, stating that his refusal to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak during a plenary did not amount to a
[04/07, 14:29] Meta AI: Court Rules Senate’s Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Excessive, Orders Recall
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted beyond its powers by suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. The court has ordered her immediate recall to the Red Chamber.
Justice Binta Nyako described the suspension duration as “excessive” and without a clear legal foundation. According to the court, the Senate Standing Orders and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act do not stipulate a maximum suspension period, making the Senate’s action overreaching.
The judge pointed out that suspending a lawmaker for roughly 181 days, the same length as the legislative year, effectively silences the voice of an entire constituency—a move deemed unconstitutional. “While the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such sanctions must not go so far as to deny constituents their right to representation,” Nyako ruled.
However, the court sided with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on a separate issue, stating that his refusal to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak during a plenary did not amount to a violation of her rights.
The court also imposed a monetary penalty on Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaching a prior court directive.
