The Nigerian Senate has doubled down on its decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asserting that it adhered strictly to legislative procedure, even as mounting public pressure and a court judgement demand her immediate reinstatement.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, made the Senate’s position clear during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday. He explained that although the Senate acknowledges the Federal High Court’s ruling in favour of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, it will not act on the matter until it formally receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement.
“The Senate cannot act on media reports or assumptions. We are still awaiting the official document, which we applied for last Monday. Once it is received, we will study it thoroughly,” Adaramodu said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was handed a 180-legislative-sitting-day suspension on 6 March after she raised allegations of sexual harassment in the upper chamber, directly implicating the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The suspension followed a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, which recommended punitive action.
The suspension stripped her of her office, official security personnel, and entitlements. She subsequently challenged the decision in court, and last week, Justice Binta Nyako ordered her reinstatement, deeming the Senate’s action unlawful.
Nevertheless, Adaramodu defended the Senate’s approach, warning against what he described as “populist pressure” and “superficial interpretations” of legislative processes by civil society and some commentators.
“The Senate is not above the law, but our internal rules and the principle of separation of powers guide us. Even the court recognised our right to manage our own affairs,” he said.
He added that while the judiciary’s decision is binding, the implementation process remains the prerogative of the Senate. “The question is not whether we can discipline our members — that is settled law. What is important is the timing and process of enforcement,” he stated.
Adaramodu also clarified that the 180-day suspension refers specifically to legislative sitting days, not calendar days. Given parliamentary recesses and non-sitting days, this means Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension could stretch beyond six months.
The senator’s suspension has sparked significant controversy, especially among women’s rights groups and political observers, many of whom view the action as excessive and politically motivated. Critics argue that the Senate’s handling of the matter undermines democratic accountability and sends a troubling message about the treatment of dissenting voices, particularly women in politics.
For now, the upper legislative chamber appears unyielding, insisting that its procedures must be respected — even in the face of a judicial directive.
