The Senate, on Monday, reaffirmed its stance on the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, following her alleged breach of the Senate Standing Orders.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, speaking exclusively with journalists, stated that there would be no reversal of the suspension despite any external pressures. He emphasized that the Senate would adhere strictly to its rules and regulations as outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate’s Standing Orders.
“There is no pressure anywhere that can take our eyes away from our noble statutes. The Senate will always regulate her conduct, as empowered in the Nigerian Constitution and as enshrined in our Standing Orders,” Adaramodu said.
He also highlighted that the Senate was focused on important legislative matters, including tax reform bills and preparations for the 2027 electoral process.
Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, also weighed in, saying, “There is no pressure,” and added that “sometimes it is wisdom to allow time to heal wounds,” suggesting that the matter might resolve itself over time.
The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan followed a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on March 6, 2025. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions had found her guilty of breaching Senate Standing Orders.
In response to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to stop the Senate Ethics Committee from investigating her. The court, led by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, summoned the Senate to explain why her prayers should not be granted, and directed the Senate to justify within 72 hours why it should not be restrained from proceeding with the investigation.
Senate President Akpabio, through his legal team led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), contested the court’s jurisdiction, asserting that the judiciary should not interfere with the internal matters of the Senate, which should be resolved within the legislative body.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Ogunwumiju argued that the plaintiff had not properly served him the court processes. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered, providing affidavits of service. Justice Egwuatu confirmed the service and adjourned the case until March 25, 2025, instructing all parties to file necessary responses before the next hearing.
Ikot Ekpene Professionals Criticize Saraki
Meanwhile, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals in Akwa Ibom State condemned former Senate President Bukola Saraki for his comments on the Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio dispute. Saraki had called for an open, transparent, and fair investigation by the Senate. However, the Akwa Ibom group accused him of attempting to interfere in the Senate’s internal processes.
In a statement signed by its National President, Edidiong John, and National Secretary, Kemfon Neke, the group argued that any parallel investigation by the Senate was inappropriate while the matter was before the courts.
“The pendency of this case in the judicial system renders any parallel investigation by the Senate improper and beyond its authority at this stage,” the statement read. The group called on Saraki to respect the legal process, asserting that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition with the Senate Ethics Committee should be the proper avenue for resolution.
The Senate is set to resume plenary on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
