The Federal High Court in Abuja has vacated its previous order that restrained the Senate from enforcing the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. This development permits the Senate to proceed with the disciplinary action against the senator.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, initiated earlier this month, stemmed from allegations of misconduct within the Senate chamber. The Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended the suspension, citing violations of Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the 2023 Standing Orders of the Nigerian Senate. Specific accusations included:
Additionally, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, alleging an incident on December 8, 2023. This claim was dismissed by the Senate, which maintained that her suspension was solely due to misconduct and not related to the harassment allegations.
Following her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan sought legal redress, leading to an initial court order that temporarily halted the Senate’s disciplinary action. However, with the recent court decision to vacate this order, the Senate is now authorized to enforce the suspension.
The suspension has elicited varied reactions:
Civil Society and Legal Experts: Figures like human rights lawyer Femi Falana have condemned the suspension, labeling it as “legislative recklessness.”
International Advocacy: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her case to international platforms, including a United Nations forum during the Women in Parliament session in New York, seeking intervention and highlighting concerns about accountability within the Nigerian Senate.
Senate’s Position.
The Senate, under the leadership of President Godswill Akpabio, has firmly stated that the suspension will not be reversed. Akpabio has questioned the legal actions taken by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that the disciplinary measures were in line with the Senate’s internal regulations and were necessary to maintain order and decorum within the legislative body.
Implications.
With the court’s recent decision, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to serve the remainder of her six-month suspension unless further legal interventions occur. This situation underscores ongoing debates about legislative authority, individual rights of lawmakers, and the mechanisms for addressing internal disputes within Nigeria’s legislative framework.
