Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has filed a contempt suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other key officials over her six-month suspension from the Senate without pay.
The suit, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, also names the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuen, as respondents.
The legal action follows an earlier court ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on March 4, which restrained the Senate from proceeding with any investigation against Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding alleged misconduct. The court had ordered that any actions taken while the case was ongoing would be deemed null and void.
Despite this ruling, the Senate proceeded with her suspension on March 6, prompting Akpoti-Uduaghan to file a contempt charge, arguing that the move was a deliberate disregard for the court’s directive. The court has since warned Akpabio, Imasuen, and the Clerk of the National Assembly of possible legal consequences, including imprisonment, for violating the order.
Meanwhile, the Senate has defended its actions, insisting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to gross misconduct and had no connection to her allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the decision was in line with the chamber’s constitutional right to regulate its internal affairs.
The controversy took a global turn when Akpoti-Uduaghan raised the matter at the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in New York, alleging political victimisation. In response, the Nigerian Senate submitted a formal statement to the forum, refuting her claims and asserting that her suspension was based solely on her alleged disruptive conduct.
As the legal and political battle unfolds, the case continues to draw public and international attention, raising concerns over legislative independence, women’s rights, and the rule of law in Nigeria.