|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Summary
A Federal High Court has ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that her six-month suspension was unconstitutional and denied her constituency representation.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ruling that her six month suspension was excessive and unconstitutional.
Delivering judgment, Justice Binta Nyako held that the Senate exceeded its powers by imposing a lengthy suspension, stating it deprived the Kogi Central Senatorial District of representation.
The court faulted the reliance on Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Orders and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, noting that while these provisions allow for suspensions, they do not specify a maximum period. Justice Binta described the action as “overreaching,” particularly given that the National Assembly is constitutionally required to sit for just 181 days per legislative year.
“The length of the suspension effectively silences an entire constituency,” the judge said, adding that the legislative houses should review and amend their rules to prevent future abuse.
In addition to ruling on the suspension, the court also addressed a contempt claim filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against Senator Natasha. Justice Binta found that the senator violated a prior court order barring public commentary on the matter by posting a satirical letter on Facebook.
She ruled that the act amounted to civil contempt and ordered Senator Natasha to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days. A fine of N5 million was also imposed.
The judge further upheld Akpabio’s refusal to allow Senator Natasha to speak during the February 20 plenary session, citing Senate rules requiring lawmakers to be seated before being granted permission to speak.
Senator Natasha had sued the Senate, Senate President Akpabio, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and Senator Neda Imasuen (Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct), challenging the legality of her suspension and the investigation against her.
