The Nigerian Senate has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s ruling regarding the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that the decision validates the chamber’s internal disciplinary authority.
In a statement issued on Monday, February 9, 2026, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, hailed the unanimous judgment as a victory for the legislature.
He remarked that the “judgment decisively reinforces parliamentary autonomy and separation of powers, confirming that the Senate’s power to discipline its members is constitutionally protected and justiciable only where there is a clear breach of the Constitution or statute.”
Read Also: Appeal Court Upholds Senator Natasha’s Suspension, Gives Reason
The appellate court had earlier determined that the Senate did not violate Akpoti-Uduaghan’s parliamentary privileges or fundamental rights when it sanctioned her for misconduct.
Justice Abba Bello Mohammed, delivering the lead ruling, pointed to Section 66(4) of the Senate’s standing rules, noting that the chamber is legally empowered to take disciplinary action to maintain order during its proceedings.
Adaramodu emphasized that the court’s decision clarifies the boundaries of individual rights within a legislative setting.
He noted, “Crucially, the Court held that lawful disciplinary action by the Senate does not infringe a member’s fundamental rights; such rights are not activated outside compliance with Senate rules governing participation.”
According to the Senate spokesperson, the ruling serves as a reminder that lawmakers are subject to the rules of the institution they serve.
“In effect, members must submit to internal legislative discipline, and courts will not intervene unless there is a demonstrable constitutional violation,” he added.
While the court upheld the Senate’s right to suspend the lawmaker, it notably set aside a ₦5 million fine and contempt proceedings that had been previously awarded against her following a satirical apology she made to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
