Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is set to challenge her six-month suspension in court following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the Senate. Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, has dismissed the suspension as a violation of a court order, describing it as illegal and void. Giwa revealed this in an interview on Thursday after Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended and escorted out of the National Assembly complex.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition parties have also criticized the Senate for failing to provide Akpoti-Uduaghan sufficient opportunity to present her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. Giwa emphasized that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges acted in defiance of a court order that restrained it from taking further action on the matter pending the resolution of a motion on notice.
“The suspension is void and cannot take effect. It is illegal because there is a court order restraining the committee from proceeding. By ignoring this order, the Senate has made a mockery of an institution that is supposed to uphold the law,” Giwa stated. He added that without legal intervention, the suspension might have stood unchallenged.
Giwa confirmed that legal action would be pursued against those who violated the court order. “We are returning to court in about two weeks to inform the judge that, despite being served, the Senate proceeded with the suspension in defiance of the order,” he said. When asked if the matter would be escalated to international bodies, Giwa noted that while the focus remains on local legal channels, the global community is watching. He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to seek redress when their civil rights are violated, takes precedence over the Senate’s Standing Orders.
The Senate imposed the six-month suspension without pay, citing a breach of its Standing Orders after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation he denies. In a February 28 interview with *Arise Television*, the Kogi senator claimed Akpabio made inappropriate advances toward her. Her complaint was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, which recommended her suspension after she failed to attend the investigative hearing to defend herself.
The committee’s report, presented by its chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South), included seven recommendations. It proposed that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension could be reduced if she formally apologized to the Senate President. However, the Senate rejected this recommendation, stating that any apology would only be considered after the six-month suspension period.
The committee’s recommendations included suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan from all legislative activities, locking her office, withdrawing her salary and security details, and barring her from representing herself as a senator during the suspension period. Her legislative aides, however, would continue to receive their remuneration.
The Senate’s decision has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning its adherence to due process and the rule of law. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team remains confident that the court will uphold her rights and nullify the suspension.
