ABUJA: A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The court’s ruling follows her controversial suspension by the Senate in March. Senator Natasha was suspended for six months over allegations of gross misconduct.
The suspension occurred shortly after a public altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding a change in sitting arrangements during a plenary session.
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Following her suspension Natasha Akpoti uduagha- accused Senate President Akpabio of making unwanted sexual advances. She escalated the matter by submitting a formal petition to the United Nations.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako described the Senate’s six-month suspension as “excessive” and without clear constitutional backing.
The court ruled that Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which were used to suspend her, were overreaching and unconstitutional.
Justice Nyako emphasized that these legislative provisions do not specify a maximum suspension period for a serving senator.
The judgment highlighted that since the Senate is required to sit for a total of 181 days in a legislative year, suspending a senator for nearly the entire session effectively deprives an entire constituency of representation.
Although the Senate holds disciplinary powers over its members, such measures must respect the rights of constituents to be represented, the judge declared.
This court ruling has triggered renewed discussions around legislative accountability and due process, especially regarding the treatment of female lawmakers in Nigeria’s political space.
The legal victory is expected to pave the way for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate reinstatement to the National Assembly.
