The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti from the Nigerian Senate has sparked significant debate regarding the constitutional powers of the National Assembly to suspend its members. However, judicial precedents firmly establish that both the Senate and the House of Representatives lack the constitutional authority to suspend any legislator.
Two landmark cases provide clarity on this issue:
1. Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin v. House of Representatives
Honorable Abdulmumin Jibrin challenged his suspension from the House of Representatives for 180 legislative days before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court, in its ruling, unequivocally held that the House of Representatives lacks the power to suspend Jibrin or any other member, even for a single day. The ruling was based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which does not grant the legislature the power to suspend duly elected representatives of the people.
2. Senator Ali Ndume v. The Senate
Similarly, Senator Ali Ndume sought redress in the Federal High Court, Abuja, after being suspended from the Senate for six months. In its judgment, the court described the Senate’s action as “an exhibition of lawlessness” and ruled that such suspensions violate the Constitution. The court’s ruling reaffirmed the principle that an elected representative cannot be arbitrarily suspended by the legislature, as it would amount to denying their constituents representation.
Implications for the Suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti
Given these precedents, it is evident that the Senate lacks the constitutional power to suspend any member, including Senator Natasha Akpoti. Any such action is illegal, unconstitutional, null, and void in the eyes of the law.
Rather than penalizing Senator Natasha for raising allegations against the Senate President, a responsible legislative body should prioritize investigating the claims and ensuring justice is served. The Senate’s decision to discard her petition on technical grounds without examining its merits runs counter to the principles of fairness and accountability. Moreover, it raises serious concerns about the integrity of the Senate President. If there is no wrongdoing, why reject a transparent investigation?
Conclusion
The judiciary has consistently upheld the rights of lawmakers against unlawful suspensions, reinforcing that the National Assembly cannot arbitrarily silence its members. The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti follows a troubling pattern of using legislative authority to suppress dissent. Upholding democratic principles requires that the Senate respect constitutional boundaries and focus on governance rather than political maneuvering.
As the legal battles over legislative suspensions continue, it remains to be seen whether the Senate will respect the rule of law or persist in actions that undermine democratic representation.
Here Is A List of Senators Who Have Previously Faced Suspension:
1. Femi Okurounmu (Ogun Central) – 1999
Senator Okurounmu was suspended in 1999 after alleging that fellow senators were planning to impeach President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was later recalled after tendering an apology to the Senate.
2. Joseph Waku (Benue) – 2000
In 2000, Senator Waku suggested that a military coup would be preferable to allowing President Obasanjo to continue ruling as a dictator. This statement led to his suspension due to its controversial nature.
3. Arthur Nzeribe (Imo, Orlu Constituency) – 2002
Senator Nzeribe was indefinitely suspended in November 2002 over a ₦22 million fraud allegation.
4. Isah Mohammed (Niger Central) – 2004
In October 2004, Senator Mohammed was suspended for two weeks after physically assaulting Senator Iyabo Anisulowo outside the National Assembly lobby. The altercation was reportedly related to the disbursement of committee funds.
5. Ali Ndume (Borno South) – 2017
Senator Ndume was suspended for six months in 2017 after calling for an investigation into allegations involving then Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.
6. Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central) – 2018
In 2018, Senator Omo-Agege was suspended after opposing the election reordering bill. Despite apologizing for his stance, he sought a court order to prevent the Senate from suspending him, which led to his suspension.
7. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) – 2024
Senator Ningi was suspended for three months in 2024 after alleging that the National Assembly padded the 2024 budget by ₦3 trillion.
8. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central)
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on the 6th of March, 2025, was suspended for six months over alleged misconduct in the red chamber.
Dr. Amiida
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