By Nworisa Michael
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, affirming the Nigerian Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members for misconduct.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court dismissed claims that the Senate violated the senator’s fundamental rights or parliamentary privileges in the course of the disciplinary action.
Justice Abba Muhammed, who delivered the lead judgment, ruled that Senate President Godswill Akpabio acted within the provisions of the Senate Standing Rules when he denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to speak during the plenary session of February 20, 2025.
The court held that the Senate President has the exclusive authority to allocate seats to lawmakers and that members are required to speak only from their officially assigned seats. Since the senator was not seated in her designated position at the time, the court found no fault in the Senate President’s decision to withhold recognition.
While affirming the legality of the suspension, the court, however, set aside the contempt proceedings and the ₦5 million fine earlier imposed on the senator. The fine stemmed from a satirical apology she issued following the plenary confrontation with the Senate leadership.
According to the court, although the Senate possesses disciplinary powers, the contempt charge and monetary penalty were either unnecessary or improperly applied under the circumstances.
The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s long-standing position of non-interference in the internal affairs of the legislature, particularly on matters of discipline and internal order, provided constitutional limits are not breached.
The judgment underscores the autonomy of the National Assembly in regulating its proceedings while drawing a clear boundary between lawful discipline and excessive punitive measures.