Court clears path for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

The Federal High Court in Abuja has reversed its earlier ruling that prevented the Nigerian Senate from suspending Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, effectively allowing the legislative chamber’s six-month suspension against her to stand.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the ruling on Wednesday, March 20, overturning the court’s March 4 interim order that had temporarily shielded the senator from disciplinary action.

The decision marks a significant shift in the legal proceedings, signaling a judicial acknowledgment of the Senate’s authority to manage its internal affairs. However, the case remains ongoing, with further hearings set for March 25.

The controversy began when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought legal intervention against an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuem.

She filed an ex-parte motion requesting the court to halt disciplinary proceedings against her, arguing that the allegations of misconduct were politically motivated.

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In response, on March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an injunction restraining the Senate from taking punitive action against the senator while the case was under judicial review.

The ruling emphasized that any attempt to suspend her before a final decision was reached would be deemed unlawful.

However, in a surprising turn, the Senate proceeded with its planned suspension on March 6, citing misconduct during a plenary session on February 20.

This move directly defied the court order, prompting Akpoti-Uduaghan to file a contempt charge against the legislative body, arguing that the Senate had willfully disregarded a binding judicial directive.

The Senate, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chikaosolu Ojukwu, pushed back against the court’s intervention, contending that the judiciary had overstepped its bounds.

The Senate’s legal team argued that the earlier court ruling interfered with the constitutional principle of separation of powers, asserting that the legislature had exclusive authority over its internal disciplinary processes.

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On the other hand, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representative, Michael Numa (SAN), maintained that the Senate’s actions amounted to contempt of court and urged the judiciary to dismiss the legislative defense.

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He emphasized that the senator’s rights were being violated by what he described as an arbitrary and politically motivated suspension.

After considering both arguments, Justice Egwuatu ruled in favor of the Senate, vacating the previous injunction and allowing the suspension to take effect.

The court’s decision has reignited debates over the balance of power between Nigeria’s judiciary and legislature.

While some legal experts view the ruling as a reinforcement of the Senate’s authority to regulate its members, others argue that it sets a dangerous precedent where lawmakers can act against court directives with little consequence.

Although Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, her legal challenge is far from over. The Federal High Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 25, where additional applications related to the case will be considered.

The outcome of this legal battle will have far-reaching implications, not only for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political future but also for broader discussions on legislative accountability and judicial oversight in Nigeria.