Court orders Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, after a six-month suspension imposed on her.

Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the suspension was excessive.

The court deemed the six-month suspension “excessive” and contrary to the provisions of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act and Senate Standing Rules.

Justice Nyako noted that the legislations failed to specify the maximum period for suspending a lawmaker.

The judge emphasized that the suspension deprived Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents of their right to representation.

The court ordered the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Justice Nyako acknowledged the Senate’s power to punish erring members but stressed that sanctions must not be excessive.

The court found that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was not wrong to deny Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during plenary after she refused to sit in her designated seat.

She dismissed Akpabio’s contention that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, which he said bordered on an internal affair of the Senate.

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