Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Senate to reinstate suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.The court held that the six-month suspension was disproportionate and unfairly denied her constituents legislative representation.
Justice Nyako further ruled that Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act were overreaching, as they do not define a clear limit for suspension duration.
Justice Binta Nyako emphasized that, given there are only 181 sitting days in a legislative year, the six-month suspension amounted to nearly a full legislative cycle.
While affirming that the Senate holds the authority to discipline its members, she stressed that such sanctions must be proportionate and not excessive.
The court also dismissed Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s argument that it lacked jurisdiction, stating the matter concerned the constitutional rights of both the senator and her constituents.
The court found that Senate President Godswill Akpabio acted in line with the rules when he refused to recognize Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for not occupying her designated seat.
However, it ordered the senator to tender a formal apology to the Senate and imposed a ₦5 million fine on her for violating an existing court order that barred public commentary on the ongoing case.
Additionally, she is required to publish the apology in two national newspapers within seven days.
