The Nigerian Senate has ruled out any possibility of lifting the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. The decision was confirmed on Monday by Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu, who stated that the legislative body would strictly follow its rules and procedures.
“There is no pressure anywhere that can take our eyes away from our noble statutes. The Senate will always regulate her conduct, as empowered in the Nigerian Constitution and as enshrined in our Standing Orders,” Adaramodu said. He also noted that the Senate was currently focused on tax reform bills, the upcoming constitutional review, and potential changes to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro also dismissed claims of any pressure to reverse Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. While he declined to comment further, he stated, “Sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found her guilty of violating Senate Standing Orders. Her suspension stemmed from a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has questioned the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit challenging her suspension. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the court had no authority to interfere in legislative affairs, as such matters should be handled internally within the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the court seeking to stop the Senate Ethics Committee from investigating her. On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered the Senate to explain why her request should not be granted. The court instructed the Senate to justify, within 72 hours, why it should not be permanently barred from investigating the senator over alleged misconduct.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Ogunwumiju argued that the legal documents had not been properly served. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered this claim, presenting affidavits to prove that all parties had received the necessary court papers. After reviewing the documents, Justice Egwuatu confirmed that service had been completed and adjourned the case until March 25, 2025. The judge directed all parties to submit their responses before the next hearing.
In a related matter, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals in Akwa Ibom State has criticized former Senate President Bukola Saraki over his remarks on the dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio. Saraki had previously called for a fair and transparent investigation, but the Akwa Ibom group accused him of interfering in Senate affairs.
In a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the group stated: “The pendency of this case in the judicial system renders any parallel investigation by the Senate improper and beyond its authority at this stage. This is not a matter of politicization, but a straightforward application of legal and parliamentary norms.”
The group urged Saraki to allow due process to take its course, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had already filed a petition with the Senate Ethics Committee, which would determine if the Senate had jurisdiction over the matter.
“It is only the courts and the Ethics Committee that are the proper avenues for resolution. Nigerians expect the Senate to uphold its integrity and credibility within the bounds of the law,” the statement read.
The Senate is scheduled to resume plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
