News

‎By Prosper Mene 

‎The Nigerian Senate has reaffirmed that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, remains suspended and was rightfully barred from resuming legislative duties this week, despite her claims of a court ruling in her favor. 

‎Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for six months following a heated altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which the Senate described as a violation of its rules. The incident came from a dispute over seat arrangements, during which Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual misconduct, an allegation he vehemently denied. The Senate maintains that her suspension was due to “gross misconduct and unruly behavior,” including refusing to sit in her assigned seat and defying the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

‎ ‎On July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the six-month suspension was “excessive” and unconstitutional, arguing that it effectively silenced the voice of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents. The court urged the Senate to review its Standing Orders and reconsider the suspension. Citing this ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to resume her duties on July 22, arriving at the National Assembly with supporters, including activist Aisha Yesufu. However, security operatives blocked her entry, leading to a tense standoff.

‎ ‎Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu defended the decision, stating that the court’s ruling was advisory, not a mandatory order for her immediate reinstatement. “There is no formal communication from the courts mandating her recall,” Adaramodu said, describing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to return as a “publicity stunt.” He emphasized that the Senate would not act on “media interpretations or individual claims” and that her suspension remains in effect until the Senate resumes from its two-month recess.

‎ ‎The Senate further noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt of court for a social media post that violated a restraining order. She was fined ₦5 million and ordered to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, directives she has reportedly not fulfilled.

‎ ‎Akpoti-Uduaghan, undeterred, vowed to consult her legal team and potentially seek clarification from the Court of Appeal. “My suspension is wrong. The recommendation itself is faulty,” she told journalists at the National Assembly gate. Her supporters, chanting “Push!” during the confrontation, argue that her treatment shows wider issues of gender-based discrimination in Nigeria’s male-dominated Senate, where only four of 109 senators are women.

‎ ‎Women’s rights groups, including the Womanifesto coalition, have rallied behind Akpoti-Uduaghan, with protests in Lagos, Enugu, Edo, and Kaduna under the banner “We are all Natasha.” Critics, including legal expert Femi Falana, have called the suspension “legislative recklessness,” arguing it undermines the democratic rights of Kogi Central’s electorate.

‎ ‎Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has filed an appeal against the July 4 ruling, further complicating the matter. The Senate insists it is committed to due process and the rule of law, accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to enforce a non-binding judicial recommendation prematurely. ‎

‎The Senate is set to resume in September 2025, when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is scheduled to end, unless further legal or legislative developments alter the course of events.

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