Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Nigerian Senate exceeded its powers by suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, declaring the suspension excessive and unconstitutional. The court emphasized that the Senate’s rules did not specify a maximum suspension period and that such a lengthy suspension effectively silences her constituents, which is unlawful.
The court however, has ordered her immediate reappointment. It further upheld the Senate President’s decision not to allow her to speak during plenary, ruling it did not violate her rights. Additionally, the court imposed a monetary fine on Akpoti-Uduaghan for breaching a prior court order restricting public statements about the case.
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