The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Senate to recall Natasha Akpoti, declaring her six-month suspension as excessive and unconstitutional
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgment, emphasized that the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti for six months violated her constituents’ right to representation.
The court held that while the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such actions must not be disproportionate or infringe upon democratic representation.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by the suspended lawmaker, and it reinforces that when a court orders Senate to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, it is not merely procedural but a matter of public interest and constitutional duty.
The court also invalidated portions of Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act, describing them as vague and overreaching. It noted that the lack of a clearly defined maximum suspension period opens the door for abuse, particularly in cases like this where the senator was effectively removed from office for nearly 180 days—just short of the entire 181-day legislative calendar.
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