A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Nigerian Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, following her suspension from legislative duties.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months was “excessive” and unjustified. The judge further held that Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which were relied upon for the suspension, were “overreaching” and could not override constitutional provisions.
Justice Nyako emphasized that the suspension infringed on the rights of the senator’s constituents to representation and declared the action of the Senate null and void.
The ruling paves the way for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate reinstatement and reaffirms the judiciary’s role in curbing legislative overreach.