The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the suspension of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that the Senate acted within its constitutional and procedural powers.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel of justices, the appellate court held that the suspension did not violate the lawmaker’s parliamentary privilege or her constitutional rights.
However, the court set aside the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine earlier imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over a satirical apology she issued to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Abba Muhammed ruled that the Senate President acted in line with the Senate Rules when he denied the senator the opportunity to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025, on the grounds that she was not seated in her officially designated seat.
The court held that the Senate President is empowered under the Rules of the Senate to assign seats to lawmakers and that members are only permitted to contribute to proceedings from their allocated seats.
It concluded that the disciplinary action taken against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan followed due process and fell within the legislative authority of the Senate, thereby affirming the validity of her suspension.
The judgment brings partial relief to the embattled lawmaker, as the court’s decision effectively nullifies the contempt ruling and financial penalty previously imposed on her.
