Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has vowed to challenge her six-month suspension from the Senate, describing the decision as unlawful and a violation of a court order.
Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, criticised the Senate’s resolution, arguing that it disregarded a court directive that had restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking action on the matter.
“The suspension is void and illegal because there is a subsisting court order prohibiting any disciplinary action against her. By proceeding with the suspension, the Senate has made a mockery of its role as a lawmaking body,” Giwa told The PUNCH on Thursday.
He further stated that the case is already in court and will be revisited in two weeks, where they will notify the judge of the Senate’s disregard for due process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension came after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment during a plenary session. The matter was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, which found her guilty of breaching the Senate’s standing rules and recommended disciplinary action.
The Senate, after deliberation, upheld the committee’s report and imposed a six-month suspension starting March 6, 2025. As part of the sanctions, her office will be sealed, her salary and allowances withheld, and security details withdrawn. However, following an appeal by Senator Orji Kalu, her legislative aides will continue receiving their salaries.
Senators across party lines supported the committee’s decision, arguing that her conduct had brought the Senate into disrepute. Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and others insisted that enforcing the suspension was necessary to maintain order in the chamber.
Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan defiantly stated, “This injustice against me will not stand. I will fight it.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, and legal experts have criticised the Senate’s decision, with many arguing that she was not given a fair hearing.
Professor Itsey Sagay (SAN) questioned why the Senate took action despite the matter being in court, while Awa Kalu (SAN) described the decision as hasty. The NBA Women Forum chairperson, Huwaila Muhammad, also raised concerns about procedural fairness, stating, “Suspension is not the answer. She should have been given the opportunity to defend herself.”
Meanwhile, Akpabio, in response to the allegations, dismissed the claims and reiterated his role in upholding Senate rules. He also revealed that he attended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s wedding and considered her husband a close friend.
As the legal battle looms, the case continues to generate widespread debate on fairness, parliamentary discipline, and gender dynamics within Nigeria’s political sphere.