Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has dismissed the appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio challenging the ruling that nullified her six-month suspension from the Senate.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had on July 4, 2025, declared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” ordering her immediate reinstatement. The ruling came in response to a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025) filed by the senator after she was suspended in February for what the Senate described as “unruly behaviour.”
Akpabio’s Appeal to the Court of Appeal
Akpabio’s legal team filed an 11-ground notice of appeal (CA/A//2025) on July 14, arguing that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to interfere in what he termed “internal parliamentary affairs.” He cited Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, insisting that matters such as suspensions, plenary debates, and resolutions are protected and non-justiciable.
The Senate President also contended that Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to exhaust internal redress mechanisms like the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions before resorting to legal action.
Furthermore, Akpabio accused the Federal High Court of procedural irregularities and breaching his right to a fair hearing, especially by addressing issues not raised by either party—such as whether the suspension was excessive.
Natasha Reacts with Defiance
While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has yet to issue a formal statement, she made her stance clear during a brief encounter at a documentary screening in Abuja.
When pressed for comments on the appeal, she snapped,
“Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?”
She then declined further questions and exited the venue.
Her silence on whether she would resume legislative duties suggests a continued standoff as the case progresses to the Court of Appeal.
Background: The Suspension Controversy
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on February 20, 2025, following a heated confrontation with Akpabio over Senate seating arrangements. The situation escalated when she alleged sexual harassment and abuse of office by the Senate President, claiming he suggested inappropriate exchanges for legislative favours.
The Senate’s Ethics Committee dismissed her claims on procedural grounds and suspended her, stripping her of salary, office access, and security.
On July 4, Justice Binta Nyako ruled in her favour, describing the suspension as a denial of representation for her constituents. While the court fined Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦5 million for a contemptuous social media post, it upheld her core prayer and ordered her reinstatement.
