The Senate has dismissed any possibility of reversing the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH on Monday, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu emphasised that the legislative body would not yield to pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that the Senate will operate strictly by its rules.
“The Senate will always regulate its conduct as empowered by the Nigerian Constitution and our Standing Orders,” Adaramodu said, adding that lawmakers are currently focused on tax reforms and constitutional review ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro also commented, stating that while there is no pressure to reverse the suspension, “sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found her guilty of breaching Senate rules.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit against her suspension. His legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), argued that the court lacks the authority to interfere in Senate affairs.
However, at Monday’s hearing, Justice Obiora Egwuatu confirmed that the Senate had been properly served and adjourned the case until March 25, 2025, directing all parties to file their responses before then.
In a related development, an Akwa Ibom group, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals, criticised former Senate President Bukola Saraki for calling for an open and fair investigation into the matter. The group accused Saraki of interfering in Senate affairs and urged him to respect the legal process.
The Senate is set to resume plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.