The Senate, on Monday, ruled out a reversal of the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Senate spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu, speaking exclusively with The PUNCH on Monday, dismissed any pressure to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasising that the legislative body would adhere strictly to its rules.
He said, “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.
“The Senate is currently busy, working on the tax reform bills and preparing equally for the constitution review. We want to reflect the feelings of Nigerians on the Electoral Act before the 2027 elections.”
Taking a rather evasive position, the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, also asserted that: “There is no pressure,” adding, however, that “Sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions found her guilty of breaching the Senate Standing Orders.
Her suspension followed a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has contested the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit challenging her suspension.
Through his legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Akpabio argued that the court had no authority to interfere in the internal affairs of the Senate, insisting that legislative matters should be resolved internally.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had approached the Federal High Court seeking to stop the Senate Ethics Committee from investigating her.
On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu summoned the Senate to appear before it and explain why Akpoti-Uduaghan’s prayers should not be granted.
The court directed the Senate to justify, 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.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Ogunwumiju argued that the plaintiff had not properly served him the court processes.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered that all parties had been served, presenting affidavits of service.
After reviewing the documents, Justice Egwuatu confirmed service and adjourned the case until March 25, 2025, directing all parties to file necessary responses before the next hearing.
Akwa Ibom group tackles Saraki
In a related development, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals in Akwa Ibom State has condemned former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his comments on the Natasha-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 matters.
In a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the group 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, emphasising 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.
The Senate is set to resume plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
