Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspension: Legal Showdown Erupts Between Senate and the Courts

The Senate has drawn a line in the sand, firmly rejecting any possibility of reversing the controversial six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the representative of Kogi Central. This firm stance sets the stage for a dramatic showdown that is playing out both within the hallowed halls of the National Assembly and in the courts.

Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, in an exclusive statement to The PUNCH on Monday, dismissed any notion of succumbing to pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan. He emphasized the Senate's unwavering commitment to upholding its internal rules and regulations. 'There is no pressure anywhere that can take our eyes away from our noble statutes. The Senate will always regulate her conduct, as empowered in the Nigerian Constitution and as enshrined in our Standing Orders,' Adaramodu declared, signaling a resolute determination to stand its ground.

Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, offered a somewhat ambiguous response. While asserting that 'There is no pressure,' he also hinted at the possibility of a more conciliatory approach in the future, stating, 'Sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds.' This seemingly contradictory statement leaves room for interpretation and suggests potential behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension, handed down on March 6, 2025, stems from a ruling by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The committee found her guilty of violating the Senate Standing Orders, a decision that followed a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session. This clash of personalities and the subsequent disciplinary action have fueled the controversy and heightened public interest in the case.

However, the battleground extends beyond the Senate chamber. Senate President Akpabio is now challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to adjudicate Akpoti-Uduaghan's suit, which seeks to overturn her suspension. Through his legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Akpabio is arguing that the court lacks the authority to interfere in the Senate's internal affairs, asserting that legislative matters should be resolved within the legislative body itself. This legal maneuver adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama, raising fundamental questions about the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in overseeing legislative processes.

Akpoti-Uduaghan's legal challenge began with her approach to the Federal High Court, where she sought to prevent the Senate Ethics Committee from proceeding with its investigation. On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu responded by summoning the Senate to appear before the court and provide justification for why Akpoti-Uduaghan's requests should not be granted. The court directed the Senate to explain, within 72 hours, why it should not be permanently restrained from investigating the senator for alleged misconduct. Justice Egwuatu also ordered that all court documents be served on the National Assembly through its Clerk or by publication in two national newspapers. This decisive action by the court injected a new level of urgency and heightened the stakes in the escalating dispute.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, the legal arguments intensified. Ogunwumiju argued that the plaintiff had not properly served him with the court processes, raising a procedural objection. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered this claim, asserting that all parties had been duly served and presenting affidavits of service to support his contention. After careful review of the documents, Justice Egwuatu confirmed that service had been effected and adjourned the case until March 25, 2025, directing all parties to file their necessary responses before the next hearing. This legal back-and-forth underscores the complexity and contentiousness of the case.

The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension has also drawn in external actors. The Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals in Akwa Ibom State has issued a strong condemnation of former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his comments on the Akpoti-Akpabio dispute. Saraki had called for an open, transparent, and fair investigation by the Senate, but the Akwa Ibom group accused him of attempting to interfere in the Senate’s internal affairs. This intervention by a prominent group from Akwa Ibom adds a political dimension to the already complex situation, highlighting the potential for the dispute to escalate beyond the confines of the Senate.

In a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals argued that Saraki’s remarks could undermine due process. 'The pendency of this case in the judicial system renders any parallel investigation by the Senate improper and beyond its authority at this stage. This is not a matter of politicization, but a straightforward application of legal and parliamentary norms,' the statement read. The group urged Saraki to respect the legal process, emphasizing that Akpoti-Uduaghan had already filed a petition with the Senate Committee on Ethics, which would determine whether the Senate had jurisdiction over the matter. 'It is only the courts and the Ethics Committee that are the proper avenues for resolution. Nigerians expect the Senate to uphold its integrity and credibility within the bounds of the law,' the statement added. This forceful response from the Akwa Ibom group underscores the sensitivity of the issue and the potential for it to be viewed through a political lens.

As the nation awaits the next developments in this unfolding saga, the Senate is set to resume plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. This resumption is likely to bring further clarity to the situation and potentially escalate the tensions surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension. The coming days and weeks promise to be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-stakes political and legal battle.

Posted on: Mon Mar 24 2025 Back to posts