04 July, 2025
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following her six-month suspension from the Senate.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgement, ruled that the Senate acted beyond its powers by imposing a suspension that effectively sidelined the lawmaker for almost the entire legislative calendar. She noted that such a decision denied the people of Kogi Central their right to representation.
“The suspension, lasting nearly the full 181 legislative days allowed in a year, was excessive and unjust,” the judge declared.
Justice Nyako faulted provisions in Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, stating that they failed to provide clear limits on how long a lawmaker can be suspended. According to her, this omission opened the door for the kind of prolonged suspension imposed on Senator Natasha.
While affirming that the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, the court insisted that such measures must not undermine democracy or the rights of constituents.
“The Senate cannot exercise its disciplinary powers in a way that disenfranchises citizens. Representation in a democracy is not a privilege; it is a constitutional right,” Justice Nyako added.
However, the court also ruled against Senator Natasha in a separate issue, finding her guilty of contempt of court. The judge imposed a fine of N5 million on the lawmaker for violating a court order that restrained parties from making public comments on the ongoing case. She was ordered to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers within seven days.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was cleared of wrongdoing for not allowing the senator to speak during plenary, as the court said she was not seated at her designated spot. The court also dismissed Akpabio’s argument that the matter was an internal affair of the Senate and therefore outside the court’s jurisdiction.
With this ruling, the Senate is now under obligation to recall Senator Natasha and allow her resume legislative duties. The judgment is expected to shape future disciplinary procedures within Nigeria’s legislative chambers.
