Senate stands firm on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension

The Nigerian Senate has ruled out any possibility of reversing the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.

The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, in a chat with the Punch, dismissed any external pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to upholding its rules and procedures.

“There is no pressure that can sway the Senate from adhering to our statutes. The Senate will always regulate its conduct as empowered by the Nigerian Constitution and our Standing Orders,” Adaramodu stated.

He further noted that the Senate is currently focused on tax reform bills and preparations for the constitutional review, with particular attention to amending the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections.

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, while avoiding a direct stance, acknowledged that political tensions often require time to resolve, stating, “Sometimes, wisdom dictates allowing time to heal wounds.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6, 2025, followed a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of breaching the Senate Standing Orders.

The decision came after a heated exchange between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has filed a legal challenge against the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit challenging her suspension.

Represented by a legal team led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Akpabio contended that the court lacks the authority to interfere in the Senate’s internal affairs.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially approached the court seeking to halt the Senate Ethics Committee’s investigation into her conduct.

On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu summoned the Senate to justify why it should not be restrained from investigating the senator.

During Monday’s hearing, Akpabio’s legal team argued that the plaintiff had not properly served the court processes.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered this claim, presenting affidavits of service.

Justice Egwuatu confirmed proper service and adjourned the case to March 25, 2025, instructing all parties to submit necessary responses before the next hearing.

In a related development, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals in Akwa Ibom State condemned former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his comments on the Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio dispute.

Saraki had called for a fair and transparent investigation by the Senate, but the Akwa Ibom group accused him of interfering in legislative matters.

In a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the group argued that Saraki’s remarks could undermine due process.

“The existence of this case in the judicial system makes any parallel investigation by the Senate improper at this stage. This is not about politics but ensuring the application of legal and parliamentary norms,” the statement read.

The group urged Saraki to respect the legal process, noting that the Ethics Committee and the courts remain the appropriate avenues for resolving the dispute.

The Senate is set to resume plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.