Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has filed a contempt suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other Senate officials over her six-month suspension without pay.
The suit, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, also lists the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuen, as respondents.
Background of the Case
On March 4, 2025, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an interim order restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from investigating Akpoti-Uduaghan over allegations of misconduct during the Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025. The court’s order was to remain in effect pending the determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.
Despite this ruling, the Senate proceeded with its investigation and, on March 6, suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. In response, the senator argues that the suspension amounts to wilful disobedience of a court order, stating that an enrolled order of the interim injunction was served on the Senate on March 5.
Legal and Political Implications
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in her contempt charge, accused the defendants of “deliberately and contumaciously disregarding” the court’s directive. The Federal High Court has warned that Senate President Akpabio, Senator Imasuen, and the Clerk of the National Assembly could face contempt charges, which may result in imprisonment.
However, the Senate has defended its actions, arguing that the judiciary lacks the authority to interfere in its internal matters. Senate President Akpabio maintains that the suspension was in line with Senate rules and not a violation of any judicial directive.
Senate’s Defense and Vote of Confidence in Akpabio
On Thursday, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele addressing the controversy. He emphasized that the Senate acted within its constitutional rights and that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was due to misconduct, not allegations of sexual harassment.
Bamidele clarified that the Senate’s actions were guided by the Constitution, particularly Section 60, which grants the legislature the power to regulate its internal procedures. He insisted that suspension remains a necessary tool to maintain order in the Senate.
“The ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address historical imbalances in women’s representation in our Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other crucial proposed constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights and privileges of women,” he stated.
Escalation to the International Stage
Akpoti-Uduaghan has taken her grievances to the international level, presenting her case at the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York.
She alleged political victimization and gender-based discrimination, calling for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.
During the Women in Parliament session at the UN forum, she highlighted the stringent conditions imposed on her, including salary cuts, withdrawal of security, and a ban from the National Assembly.
In response, the Nigerian Senate, through Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs Kafilat Ogbara, dismissed her claims. Ogbara insisted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for misconduct and not for making allegations against Akpabio.
Reactions from Senate Leaders
Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that no legislator is above the Senate’s rules.
He emphasized that she failed to exhaust internal mechanisms to resolve her grievances before resorting to legal action.
Adeola also condemned her sexual harassment claims against Akpabio, arguing that making such allegations without evidence undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s parliament.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has also distanced himself from speculations that he supports Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations against Akpabio. Lawan’s media adviser clarified that his intervention during the plenary was procedural and not an endorsement of her claims.
The controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension continues to generate national and international attention.
As the court deliberates on her contempt charge, the case has raised critical questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and legislature, gender dynamics in Nigerian politics, and the role of international institutions in domestic governance issues.
Whether the court rules in her favor or upholds the Senate’s decision, this case is set to have lasting implications on parliamentary conduct and legal accountability in Nigeria.
