The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate was “excessive” and ordered her immediate recall.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on Friday, the court declared that both Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act overreached by failing to specify the maximum allowable suspension period for lawmakers.
Justice Nyako noted that since lawmakers have only 181 sitting days per legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension effectively barred her from representing her constituents for nearly 180 days.
“While the Senate has the power to discipline its members, such sanctions must not be excessive to the point of depriving constituents of their right to representation,” the court held.
However, the court upheld Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s decision to deny Akpoti-Uduaghan speaking rights during plenary when she wasn’t seated in her official position. The judge also dismissed Akpabio’s jurisdictional objection, affirming the court’s authority to review legislative actions affecting constitutional rights.
This ruling comes after the same court fined Akpoti-Uduaghan N5 million for contempt after she published a satirical Facebook apology to Akpabio in violation of a gag order. She was ordered to publish a proper apology in two national dailies within seven days.
