Court Fixes March 25 For Hearing On Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suit Against Senate.
Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has scheduled March 25, 2025, for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against the Senate.
The senator approached the court seeking an order to restrain the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her. However, despite a restraining order granted by the court, the Senate proceeded to suspend her for six months last Thursday after considering the committee’s report.
Legal Battle Over Suspension
At the hearing, counsel representing the first, second, and third defendants informed the court that they had not been served with the necessary court documents. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), confirmed that all parties had been served, with affidavits of service presented before the court.
After reviewing the affidavits, Justice Egwatu confirmed the service of all legal documents to the respondents. The counsel for the Senate President, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), then requested an adjournment to allow for the harmonisation of all legal processes, a request that was supported by other legal representatives. Consequently, the court adjourned the matter to March 25 and ordered that all relevant documents be served before the next hearing.
Condemnation of the Suspension
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked widespread criticism. Atedo Peterside, the founder of Anap Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, condemned the Senate’s decision, describing it as disrespectful to the senator’s constituents.
In a post on X, Peterside stated, “The most disturbing aspect of the Senate hullabaloo around Akpoti-Uduaghan is that the Senate leadership must be aware that her suspension for six months is ultra vires and disrespectful to her constituents in Kogi State, but they don’t care.” He pledged his support for the senator during her ordeal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension follows a dispute with the Senate President over seat arrangements on February 20, 2025. The senator subsequently filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, accusing him of sexual harassment and abuse of office.
Call for Constitutional Amendment
Amid the controversy, Mansur Soro, a lawmaker representing Darazo/Ganjuwa in Bauchi State, has called for a constitutional amendment to regulate the suspension of federal lawmakers. He argued that the excessive powers granted to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have made it easier for lawmakers to be suspended arbitrarily.
Soro stated, “The office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, just as that of any other senator and member of the House of Representatives, is a creation of the Constitution—just like the offices of the President, governor, and local council chairman. While the Constitution provides for the impeachment of a President or governor, it does not specify how an elected senator or House member can be suspended. It only allows for a recall by constituents through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
He further noted that while the National Assembly has the power to establish rules and procedures, the ambiguity remains as to whether Senate or House rules can override constitutional provisions.
“The over-concentration of power in the office of the Senate President makes it too easy to suspend any senator at any time,” Soro added. He also emphasised the need to review the process of appointing the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Code of Conduct to ensure justice and transparency.
Awaiting the Court’s Decision
As the legal battle continues, the court’s ruling on March 25 will be crucial in determining the legitimacy of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and could set a precedent for future cases involving the suspension of elected lawmakers.
