Suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Appear in Court Tuesday

 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, is set to appear in court on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in connection with her legal challenge against the Nigerian Senate's decision to suspend her for six months. The suspension, announced on March 6, followed a contentious incident involving a seat reassignment and her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan's legal team filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to restrain the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from investigating her. Justice Obiora Egwatu initially granted an order halting the committee's proceedings. However, the Senate proceeded with the suspension, citing her refusal to comply with the seat reassignment and alleged breaches of Senate rules. The court has since adjourned the case to March 25, 2025, to allow all parties to harmonize their submissions.

The suspension has sparked widespread criticism from various quarters. Legal experts, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, have condemned the Senate's action as a blatant disregard for judicial authority and a violation of Akpoti-Uduaghan's constitutional rights. Idahosa emphasized that the Senate's decision undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for legislative overreach.

Civil society organizations have also weighed in. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) demanded the immediate reinstatement of Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing her suspension as "patently unlawful" and a threat to democratic principles. SERAP warned that the action deprives Kogi Central constituents of representation and violates the senator's rights to freedom of expression.

Public figures and constituents have expressed solidarity with Akpoti-Uduaghan. Atedo Peterside, founder of Anap Foundation, labeled the suspension as disrespectful to the senator's constituents and indicative of a broader disregard for democratic norms. Youth groups from Kogi State have similarly condemned the Senate's decision, praising Akpoti-Uduaghan's leadership and calling for her reinstatement.

As the court date approaches, the case continues to draw national attention, highlighting issues of legislative accountability, gender equity, and the balance of power between Nigeria's governmental branches. Observers await the court's ruling, which could have significant implications for the country's democratic processes and the protection of individual rights within its legislative framework.