Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday nullified the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, declaring the action unconstitutional.
Delivering judgment in a suit filed by the senator, Justice Nyako ruled that the Senate’s decision to suspend her for six months violated the Constitution and deprived her constituents of their right to adequate representation in the National Assembly.
The court held that while the National Assembly reserves the authority to sanction its members, such disciplinary measures must not be excessive or infringe on constitutional rights. Justice Nyako noted that the suspension exceeded the time frame permissible under the law, stating it went beyond the 180 days the legislature is required to sit annually.
Consequently, the judge ordered the Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and restore her legislative privileges.
However, in a separate ruling, the court found the senator guilty of contempt and imposed a fine of N5 million. She is also required to issue a public apology to the court, to be published in two national newspapers and on her official Facebook page.
Further details are expected in due course.
