The Nigerian Senate’s decision to suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months has been criticized by a former Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association, Douglas Ogbankwa, as a case of “double standards.” Ogbankwa, who appeared on Channels Television’s breakfast program, argued that the Senate acted improperly by suspending the lawmaker while her case was still before the court.

The suspension was handed down on March 6, 2025, after a heated confrontation in the chamber, with the Senate accusing Akpoti-Uduaghan of breaching its rules. The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, has since challenged the action in court, insisting that her rights and those of her constituents were violated. Ogbankwa maintained that although the Senator’s conduct in the chamber was unbecoming, the Senate had no constitutional authority to suspend her.

According to Ogbankwa, the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is clear that each of the 109 senatorial districts in Nigeria must be represented at all times, a principle that the suspension undermines. He cited a 2017 Court of Appeal judgment that voided the suspension of members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, affirming that elected legislators cannot be shut out of parliament by their colleagues.

Ogbankwa also blamed Akpoti-Uduaghan for ignoring the Senate rules during the confrontation, noting that by parliamentary procedure, a lawmaker must occupy the seat assigned by the Senate President before making contributions on the floor. The latest development comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to return to the National Assembly on July 22, 2025, in line with a court judgment, despite an appeal by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

With the six-month suspension period ending on September 4, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to the Senate, informing it of her intention to resume duties. The Senate acknowledged her notification and stated that her matter would be treated pending the outcome of the court case. The ongoing saga highlights the complexities of parliamentary procedures and the constitutional rights of elected legislators in Nigeria.