Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Fails To Resume At Senate

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan did not resume at the Senate as expected yesterday.

Recall that the Kogi Central representative was suspended for six months for alleged misconduct.

It was speculated that she would resume yesterday following a court judgment.

The Senator did not pick up calls when our reporter tried to ascertain why she had not resumed.

It was observed an unusually heavy security presence at the main entrances to the National Assembly.

Two mobile policemen attired in anti-riot gear were seen at the barrier set up behind the National Arcade leading to the main entrance.

Other policemen were also seen positioned in strategic sports with their operational vans numbering up to three on both sides of the main gate.

There was traffic build-up on approach to the inner entrance of the National with an unusual number of sergeant-at-arms scrutinising all vehicles and their occupants before allowing them to proceed.

Most vehicles were seen reversing and going out through the main entrance due to the traffic.

Many visitors without inner car park permits who were able to scale security were denied entrance into the main complex.

Akpoti-Uduaghan blamed her suspension on her alleged refusal to yield to sexual advance by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. 

Akpabio has since denied the allegation while the wife Nnoma Akpabio sued Akpoti-Uduaghan for defamation.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also sued the Senate in a bid to quash her suspension.

Delivering her judgment, Justice Nyako faulted the provision of chapter eight of the Senate Standing Rules as well as Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, declaring both as overreaching.

The court stressed that the two legislations failed to specify the maximum period that a serving lawmaker could be suspended from office.

Justice Nyako stated that while the Senate had the authority to discipline its members, such disciplinary actions must not strip citizens of representation in the National Assembly.

She noted that since the Senate was constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension amounted to denying the people of Kogi Central effective participation in national governance.

“The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member.

“However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament,” Justice Nyako ruled.

The court, however, found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on her Facebook page on April 27.

Justice Nyako held that after reviewing the post and the application before her instituted by the third respondent, she was satisfied that it was linked to the suspension matter before the court and therefore found the plaintiff guilty of contempt.

The judge ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days. She also imposed a fine of N5 million.

The judgment has been subjected to varying interpretations with some claiming that it has quashed Natasha’s suspension and ordered her reinstatement.

Others claim that the judge did not make any such order but only offered an opinion.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had told some of her jubilant supporters in a video trending on social media that she would resume her legislative activities in the Red Chamber on Tuesday.

She thanked her constituents for standing by her, following the favourable court judgment that reaffirmed her position in the Senate.