Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is set to challenge her six-month suspension in court after a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the red chamber.
Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, dismissed the Senate’s decision as a violation of a court order and vowed to take legal action against those responsible. Speaking to sources, Giwa argued that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges acted unlawfully by proceeding with disciplinary actions despite a court order barring further action until a motion on notice was determined.
“The suspension is void and illegal,” Giwa stated. “The committee disobeyed a valid court order, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law.” He further insisted that without legal intervention, the Senate’s decision might have stood, but with a court order in place, the suspension is null and void.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition parties have strongly criticized the Senate’s decision, condemning the lack of due process in handling Akpoti-Uduaghan’s complaint of sexual harassment against Akpabio. The suspension came after her allegations were referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which later found her guilty of breaching Senate rules.
The committee’s report, signed by all 14 members, recommended a six-month suspension without pay, locking of her office, withdrawal of security details, and prohibition from representing herself as a senator during the period. The Senate, however, amended the recommendation to allow her legislative aides to continue receiving salaries.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has sparked widespread backlash. The NBA Women Forum, opposition figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and senior legal practitioners have all questioned the decision, calling it an attempt to silence the senator and undermine democratic principles.
Atiku criticized the Senate’s action as an attack on affirmative action and gender inclusivity, stating, “The Senate’s action of suspending Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.” Similarly, Obi expressed disappointment over the handling of the case, while the Labour Party called for a review of the suspension, arguing that the senator was not given a fair hearing.
The controversy continues to escalate, with mounting calls for the Senate to reconsider its decision. As Akpoti-Uduaghan prepares for her legal battle, the case is expected to set a significant precedent on the balance of power, gender rights, and due process in Nigeria’s legislative system.
