Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Challenges Six-Month Suspension In Court As NBA, Others Condemn Senate’s Decision

Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has taken legal action against her six-month suspension from the Senate following a contentious dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.

Her legal representative, Victor Giwa, condemned the Senate’s decision, stating that it violates an existing court order and is therefore unlawful.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition parties have strongly criticized the Senate’s failure to grant Akpoti-Uduaghan adequate time to present her sexual harassment complaint against Akpabio before imposing the suspension.

Giwa emphasized that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges disregarded a court injunction that barred it from taking disciplinary action until a pending motion was resolved.

“The suspension is void and has no legal standing,” Giwa argued. “A court order was issued preventing the Senate from proceeding, yet the committee ignored it, undermining the rule of law.”

He further revealed that legal proceedings would be initiated against those who violated the court’s directive.

Giwa confirmed that the legal team would be heading back to court in two weeks to challenge the Senate’s defiance of the court order.

When asked about seeking international intervention, he stated, “For now, we are handling it locally, but the world is watching. The Senate must adhere to international best practices, which dictate that no action should be taken on a matter already in court.”

He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution supersedes Senate Standing Orders, affirming every citizen’s right to seek legal redress when their civil rights are violated.

The Senate’s six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, imposed without pay, cited her alleged violation of Senate rules after she accused Akpabio of inappropriate conduct in a February 28 television interview. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges reviewed her claims and ruled against her, citing her absence at the investigative hearing as a failure to defend herself.

The committee’s seven-point recommendations, presented by Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), included:

• Locking her office and withdrawing Senate properties in her possession.
• Barring her from the National Assembly complex throughout her suspension.
• Suspending her salaries and allowances while allowing her legislative aides to continue receiving their pay.
• Restricting her from representing herself as a Senator locally or internationally during the suspension period.
• Demanding a written apology before any reconsideration of the suspension.

Despite the committee’s recommendation that an apology could reduce the suspension, the Senate rejected the suggestion, ruling that she must serve the full six months before any plea for leniency is considered.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal battle signals a high-stakes showdown between the legislative and judicial arms of government. As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on the Senate’s adherence to due process and Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.