The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted within its constitutional powers when it suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged misconduct.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Monday, a three-member panel of justices held that the Senate’s decision fell within its legislative authority and did not violate parliamentary privilege or the constitutional rights of the suspended senator.
According to the appellate court, Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to prove that her rights were breached as a result of the disciplinary action taken against her by the upper legislative chamber.
Contempt Charge, ₦5m Fine Set Aside
Despite upholding the suspension, the court vacated the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine earlier imposed on the lawmaker over a satirical apology she made to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The appellate panel ruled that the contempt charge was not sustainable in law and should not have been entertained by the lower court.
Akpabio’s Action Backed By Court
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice A. B. Muhammed, the court also held that Senate President Godswill Akpabio acted within the rules when he denied Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during plenary on February 20, 2025.
The court noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not seated in the officially allocated position assigned to her at the time. It affirmed that the Senate President has the authority to allocate seats and that lawmakers are only permitted to speak from their designated seats during proceedings.
The judgment effectively clarifies the scope of parliamentary discipline and reinforces the Senate’s authority to regulate its internal affairs, while also setting limits on contempt proceedings arising from legislative disputes.
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