‘We were right’- Senate reacts to Appeal Court verdict on Natasha suspension

The Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, on Monday said the Court of Appeal judgment upholding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reaffirmed the legislature’s constitutional powers to discipline its members.

Reacting to the ruling, Adaramodu described the judgment as a strong confirmation of parliamentary autonomy and the principle of separation of powers.

The reaction followed the judgment delivered by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which held that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension did not violate her parliamentary privileges or fundamental rights.

However, the appellate court set aside the N5 million fine and apology order earlier imposed on the senator in contempt proceedings linked to the six-month suspension.

The dispute dates back to February 20, 2025, when Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled Akpoti-Uduaghan out of order during plenary after she refused to speak from her reassigned seat.

The development led to her suspension and referral to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, triggering a legal battle.

In the lead judgment, Justice A.B. Muhammed held that Akpabio acted in line with Senate Standing Rules, noting that lawmakers are required to speak only from their officially assigned seats.

The court also held that under Senate rules, the legislative body has powers to discipline members who violate its procedures in order to maintain order during proceedings.

The appellate court faulted the senator for refusing to comply with the seat reassignment and dismissed her claim that she was not properly notified.

The court further ruled that the Federal High Court ought not to have entertained the matter, stating that the Senate acted within its internal rules.

It also dismissed claims that the suspension violated an earlier court order, noting that the order had lapsed after the trial judge recused himself and the case was reassigned.

However, the Court of Appeal ruled that the contempt proceedings and N5 million fine imposed on the senator were invalid due to procedural flaws, including failure to properly serve legal notices.

Speaking on the judgment, Adaramodu said the ruling reinforces the Senate’s authority to discipline erring members and clarified that disciplinary actions taken in line with Senate rules do not amount to a violation of fundamental rights unless there is a clear constitutional breach.