Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West has called for the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension from the Senate.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the former Bayelsa State governor expressed strong disapproval of extended legislative suspensions, arguing that such disciplinary actions contradict constitutional principles and undermine democratic processes.
“I sympathise with Natasha. I have never supported any parliamentary body suspending members for long periods,” Dickson said. “The Senate leadership and my colleagues know my position on this, which is rooted in the law, the constitution, and my personal conviction.”
He emphasized that the Senate must remain a space where lawmakers can freely debate, disagree, and represent their constituents without fear of undue sanctions. According to him, unity in diversity and tolerance of divergent views are fundamental to the spirit of legislative governance.
“Senators are here to agree and disagree in the national interest. So, we have to tolerate and respect one another, even when we differ in opinion,” he stated.
Dickson stressed the importance of Akpoti-Uduaghan returning to her legislative duties, describing her presence and voice in the Senate as critical to the effective representation of her constituents.
“I was not present when her suspension was announced, but that is not my concern. My interest is that she resumes her seat and continues to perform her constitutional responsibilities. I understand the court has already made a decision on the matter,” he added.
Two weeks ago, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension unconstitutional, describing it as excessive and a violation of her constituents’ rights to representation.
The court also imposed a ₦5 million fine against the senator in a related contempt charge concerning a satirical Facebook post that appeared to mock Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The post was found to be in breach of an interim injunction issued by the court in March 2025.
However, while the court upheld the contempt ruling, it maintained that the Senate had overstepped its constitutional boundaries by suspending her for six months, ordering her immediate reinstatement.
With growing calls from lawmakers like Dickson and the court’s directive, all eyes are now on the Senate leadership as Nigerians await the resolution of the matter and the return of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Red Chamber.