The Senate has ruled out any possibility of reversing the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH on Monday, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu dismissed claims of pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that the legislative body would strictly follow its rules.
Adaramodu stated, “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.”
He added that the Senate was currently focused on major legislative duties. “We are busy working on tax reform bills and preparing for the constitutional review. We also want to reflect the feelings of Nigerians on the Electoral Act before the 2027 elections.”
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, also downplayed any pressure for reinstatement. “There is no pressure,” he said but added, “Sometimes, it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds.”
Legal Battle Over Suspension
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 followed a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
However, Akpabio has challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawsuit against the suspension.
His legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the court had no authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the Senate.
“Legislative matters should be resolved internally,” Ogunwumiju insisted.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan had initially sought the court’s intervention to stop the Senate Ethics Committee from investigating her. On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu summoned the Senate to justify why it should not be permanently restrained from investigating the senator.
Justice Egwuatu ordered that all court documents be served on the National Assembly through its Clerk or by publication in two national newspapers.
During Monday’s hearing, Ogunwumiju argued that the plaintiff had not properly served him the court processes. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered that all necessary legal steps had been followed and presented affidavits of service.
After reviewing the documents, Justice Egwuatu confirmed that service had been properly executed and adjourned the case to March 25, 2025. He directed all parties to file their responses before the next hearing.
Akwa Ibom Group Defends Akpabio, Criticizes Saraki
Meanwhile, an Akwa Ibom-based group, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals, has condemned former Senate President Bukola Saraki over his remarks on the Natasha-Akpabio dispute.
Saraki had called for a transparent and fair investigation, but the group accused him of interfering in Senate matters.
In a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the group warned that Saraki’s comments could undermine due process.
“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 statement read.
The group urged Saraki to respect the legal process, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan had already petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, which should determine the Senate’s jurisdiction on 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 group added.