Court Orders Senate to Recall Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, Declaring Suspension Unconstitutional
By HeadlineNews.News Legal Desk
July 6, 2025 | Abuja
Key Developments
The Federal High Court in Abuja, under Justice Binta Fatima Nyako, has declared the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate as “unlawful, excessive, and unconstitutional”, and ordered her immediate recall to the Red Chamber.
Legal Basis & Constitutional Limits
Justice Nyako held that the Senate’s use of Chapter 8 of its Standing Orders and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act to suspend Akpoti effectively deprived her constituents of Kogi Central of representation, given the Senate only sits 181 days a year .
The judge emphasized that, while legislative houses can impose sanctions, these must not override the constitutional rights of citizens to be represented .
Background & Controversy
The suspension, handed down in March, followed a dispute over seating and alleged “unruly behaviour” arising after Senator Akpoti accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment .
The Senate also imposed significant restrictions on her: salary withholding, loss of security detail, banned access to her office, and a prohibition on declaring herself a senator.
The court fined Senator Akpoti ₦5 million for contempt over a Facebook post, finding she violated a gag order by issuing a “satirical apology” related to the suspension proceedings.
Impact and Implications
Restored Representation
The court’s order ensures no legislative vacuum for Kogi Central, reinforcing the principle that citizens cannot be silenced via internal party mechanisms .
Governance Checkpoint
By ruling against the Senate’s internal rules, the court asserted that legislative autonomy must not trample constitutional safeguards.
Gender & Power Dynamics
The case has reignited discussions on sexism and gender equity in Nigeria’s legislature, echoing wider criticism when fewer women face disciplinary actions in similar contexts.
Expert Commentary
“A legislative house cannot suspend a member beyond constitutional limits. Otherwise, the people lose their voice.”
— Professor Amina Jibril, Constitutional Law Lecturer
“This ruling affirms that internal discipline must respect citizens’ core rights. No chamber is above the constitution.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Governance & Public Policy Analyst
Broader Significance
The judgment may compel the Senate to revise its disciplinary processes, ensuring future sanctions are proportionate and legally sound.
It also sets a precedent for judicial oversight over legislative procedures, affirming the separation of powers.
Outlook
Senator Akpoti stands to regain her seat in the coming days. However, the Senate now faces a critical choice: appeal the decision or act swiftly in compliance. More importantly, the institution must decide whether to reform its internal rules to prevent future breaches of citizens’ representation rights.
Filed by: Correspondent Chidera U. Eze
For HeadlineNews.News
COMMENTARY.
“You Can’t Silence a Senator: Court Overrules Senate on Natasha Suspension”
“The Constitution guarantees representation. Any act that silences a voice in the Senate is an affront to democracy.” — Femi Falana, SAN
“Justice for Kogi Central: Court Orders Natasha’s Recall to Senate”
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Senate vs Constitution: Natasha’s Suspension Ruled Unconstitutional”
“No institution is above the law, not even the Senate.” — Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN
“Court Speaks: Nigerians Deserve Representation, Not Retaliation”
“The right of the people to be heard through their elected representatives is sacrosanct.” — Nelson Mandela
“Democracy on Trial: Natasha Wins Legal Battle Against Senate Overreach”
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man—and the conscience of the Constitution.” — Justice Chukwudifu Oputa
“Constitution 1, Senate 0: Why the Court Backed Senator Natasha”
“Power must be exercised with restraint, especially where it affects the voice of the people.” — Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, National Patriots
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