A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, has ruled that the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was “excessive, unlawful, and unconstitutional”, and ordered the Senate to immediately recall the Kogi Central lawmaker.
🔹 Key Points of the Ruling:
- The court invalidated the suspension, declaring that the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers and Privileges Act were overreaching and lacked clarity on suspension duration.
- Justice Nyako held that depriving a senator of their legislative duties for 180 days out of a 181-day session was effectively disenfranchising her constituents.
- The court affirmed the Senate’s authority to discipline members but cautioned against punishments that undermine democratic representation.
🔹 Additional Court Orders:
- The court imposed a ₦5 million fine on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for violating a prior order barring public commentary on the case.
- She is also required to publish an apology in two national newspapers within seven days.
🔹 On Senate President Akpabio:
- The court dismissed Senator Akpabio’s argument that the matter was an internal Senate affair, affirming its jurisdiction.
- However, it ruled Akpabio did not violate any law by refusing to recognize Akpoti-Uduaghan at plenary due to her not occupying her designated seat.
