By Paul Joseph
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, the appellate court determined that the Senate acted within its constitutional authority when it suspended the lawmaker from Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The three-judge panel unanimously concluded that the Senate did not infringe upon Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights or parliamentary privileges when disciplining her for misconduct, stating that the action adhered to the procedural rules of the Senate.
However, the court reversed a previous contempt ruling against the senator and annulled the five million naira fine imposed on her for a satirical apology directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Abba Muhammed, who authored the lead opinion, stated that the Senate President acted appropriately when he prevented Akpoti-Uduaghan from speaking during a session on February 20, 2025, as she was not in her designated seat at the time.
The judges pointed out that Senate rules grant the Senate President the authority to assign seats, and lawmakers are permitted to speak only from their assigned positions.
The court emphasized that maintaining order and discipline is crucial for the effective functioning of legislative proceedings, and all members must adhere to internal parliamentary rules, regardless of their status.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had sought judicial review of her suspension, claiming it was unlawful and politically motivated.
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