Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Challenge Six-Month Suspension in Court as NBA, Others Condemn Senate Decision

Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has vowed to challenge in court the six-month suspension imposed on her following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the red chamber.

Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, dismissed the Senate resolution as unconstitutional, arguing that it violates a subsisting court order.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday after the Senate suspended and escorted Akpoti-Uduaghan out of the National Assembly complex, Giwa criticized the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges for allegedly acting in contempt of court.

“Suspension is Void and Illegal” – Legal Counsel

Giwa asserted that the committee had been served with a court order restraining it from taking further action on the matter pending the determination of a motion on notice.

“The suspension is void and has no legal effect. The committee disobeyed a valid court order, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law,” he said.

He added that if Akpoti-Uduaghan had not sought legal intervention, the suspension might have stood unchallenged.

With the court order explicitly directing the Senate to halt disciplinary proceedings, Giwa maintained that the decision to suspend the senator was null and void. He further disclosed plans to take legal action against those responsible for defying the court’s directive.

“We are returning to court. The case is scheduled for hearing in two weeks, and we will inform the court that despite being served—including the Senate President—they still acted in violation of the order by suspending the plaintiff,” he stated.

NBA, Opposition Parties Slam Senate Decision

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition parties have also condemned the Senate’s actions, accusing it of denying Akpoti-Uduaghan a fair hearing on her sexual harassment complaint against Akpabio.

They criticized the red chamber for failing to give the senator ample time to present her case before handing down a suspension without pay.

Legal and Constitutional Implications

Giwa emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution supersedes the Senate Standing Orders, reiterating that every citizen has the right to seek legal redress when their civil rights are breached.

“Section 6, Subsection 6 of the Constitution grants every Nigerian the right to seek redress when their civil rights are violated. Senator Natasha has exercised this right. Her suspension is an attempt to silence her for alleging misconduct against the Senate President, which is a violation of her right to a fair hearing,” he argued.

Asked whether the matter would be escalated to international organizations, Giwa said, “For now, we are handling it locally. But the world is watching. The Senate must adhere to international best practices, which dictate that once a case is in court, no further action should be taken on it.”

Background to the Suspension

The Senate imposed the six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing violations of its Standing Orders after she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he has denied.

Her complaint was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which recommended disciplinary action. The committee’s report, presented by its chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), contained seven recommendations, all of which were adopted by the Senate on Thursday.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously made headlines following a public dispute with Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber. In a February 28 interview with Arise Television, she alleged that Akpabio had made inappropriate advances toward her.

As the legal battle unfolds, the controversy surrounding her suspension continues to spark debates on the independence of the legislature, due process, and the protection of lawmakers’ rights within the National Assembly.