A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months by the Nigerian Senate.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the immediate recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months by the Nigerian Senate.
Justice Binta Nyako described the suspension as “excessive,” ruling it unjustifiable and disproportionate.
The court invalidated provisions in Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses Act, noting they overreached and failed to specify suspension limits.
Justice Nyako emphasized that lawmakers are constitutionally required to sit 181 days annually and that the suspension deprived Natasha’s constituents of representation.
While affirming the Senate’s right to discipline members, the judge insisted that such actions must not violate constitutional rights.
“Any sanction must be proportional,” she stated. The court, however, ruled Senate President Godswill Akpabio acted within bounds when he denied Natasha the floor, as she wasn’t at her designated seat.
Natasha was also ordered to apologize publicly in two national newspapers within seven days.