Reacting to the judgment, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the Red Chamber would not immediately reinstate the senator, insisting that the court’s ruling did not override the Senate’s disciplinary powers

By Titilope Adako

Despite a Federal High Court ruling ordering the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Nigerian Senate has stated that certain conditions must be met before her return.

The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on Friday, nullified the six-month suspension imposed on the Kogi Central senator, describing it as excessive and unconstitutional.

Justice Nyako ruled that while the Senate has the power to discipline members, such actions must not deprive citizens of representation in the National Assembly.

She criticised Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, declaring them overreaching for not specifying a maximum suspension period for lawmakers.

Nyako stressed that with the Senate constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days in a legislative year, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension effectively denied her constituents meaningful representation.

“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,” she ruled.

Reacting to the judgment, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the Red Chamber would not immediately reinstate the senator, insisting that the court’s ruling did not override the Senate’s disciplinary powers.

“Which judgment are we appealing when they (the court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members? The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator,” he said.

According to Adaramodu, the court directed Akpoti-Uduaghan to make restitution, and the Senate would only act after she complies.

“The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter,” he added.

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