Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, plans to challenge in court her six-month suspension, which followed a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the red chamber.
Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, condemned the Senate’s decision, calling it a violation of a court order.
Giwa criticised the resolution after Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended and escorted out of the National Assembly complex.
The Nigerian Bar Association and opposition parties also denounced the Senate’s actions, arguing that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not given adequate time to present her sexual harassment complaint against Akpabio.
Giwa further asserted that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges disregarded a court order that had allegedly barred it from proceeding with the matter until a motion on notice was resolved.
“The suspension is void, it cannot even take any effect. The suspension is illegal because there is a court order that restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking further action.
“The committee disobeyed a valid court order that was served on them, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law,” Giwa said.
He contended that if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had not pursued legal intervention, the suspension might have remained in effect.
The lawyer also asserted that, given the court order explicitly instructing the Senate to cease disciplinary actions, her suspension was invalid.
Additionally, Giwa disclosed that legal measures would be taken against those who defied the court’s directive.
“We are going back to court. The case is coming up in about two weeks, and we will inform the court that despite being served, including the Senate President, they still acted in violation of the order by suspending the plaintiff,” he stated.
When asked if there were plans to escalate the matter to international organizations, Giwa said, “For now, we are handling it locally. But, of course, the world is watching. The Senate must adhere to international best practices, which dictate that once a case is in court, no further action should be taken on it.”
He pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution supersedes the Senate Standing Orders, stating that every citizen had the right to seek redress in court when their civil rights are breached.
“Section 6, subsection 6 of the Constitution grants every citizen the right to seek redress when their civil rights are violated. Senator Natasha has done exactly that. Her suspension is an attempt to silence her for alleging wrongdoing against the Senate President, which amounts to a breach of her right to a fair hearing,” he added.
The Senate has suspended the lawmaker for six months without pay, citing a violation of its Standing Orders following her allegation of sexual harassment—an accusation that Akpabio has denied.
In a February 28 interview with Arise Television, the Kogi senator—who had recently clashed publicly with the Senate President over seating arrangements—accused Akpabio of making sexual advances toward her.
Her complaint was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for review, which later recommended her suspension. The Senate adopted the committee’s report during Thursday’s plenary session.
Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), the committee chairman, presented the findings on the Senate floor. The report, signed by all 14 committee members, outlined seven recommendations against the Kogi Central senator.
The committee found her guilty of all allegations, noting that she failed to attend the investigative hearing to defend herself.
They are a bunch of irresponsible men. How could a Senate dishonor a court order. This shows that our problem is fundamental.
Akpbio was in the NDDC and embroiled in controversies which included sexual harassment. Is he a dog?