Appeal Court Upholds Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Suspension, Rules Senate Acted Within Powers
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has delivered a significant ruling, upholding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. In a decision announced on February 9, the court affirmed that the Senate acted within its constitutional and procedural authority when it suspended the lawmaker for misconduct.
Unanimous Decision by Three-Member Panel
A three-member panel of justices reached a unanimous verdict, stating that the suspension did not breach Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's parliamentary privilege or her constitutional rights. The lead judgment, delivered by Justice A. B. Muhammed, emphasized the Senate's discretion in enforcing its internal rules.
Key aspects of the ruling include:
- The court found no violation of the appellant's rights due to the suspension.
- It supported the Senate President's authority to allocate seats and manage plenary proceedings.
- The decision highlighted that lawmakers must speak from their officially assigned seats during sessions.
Contempt Proceedings and Fine Vacated
In a partial relief for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the appellate court vacated the contempt proceedings and the associated N5 million fine that had been imposed on her. This penalty stemmed from a satirical apology she directed toward Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which the court deemed excessive in this context.
The court's move to set aside the fine indicates a nuanced approach, balancing disciplinary measures with procedural fairness.
Background of the Suspension
The Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, effective from March 6, 2025. This action was taken following allegations of misconduct and violations of the Senate Rules 2023, as amended. The suspension originated from a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements during a plenary session on February 20, 2025.
Details of the incident:
- Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was not seated in her officially allotted spot during the plenary.
- Senate President Akpabio denied her the opportunity to speak, citing the seating rule.
- The court upheld this decision, reinforcing the Senate President's power under parliamentary rules.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's role in interpreting legislative procedures and highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria's political landscape. It serves as a precedent for how parliamentary discipline is handled, emphasizing both authority and accountability in governance.
