A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly. Justice James Omotosho dismissed the suit, which was filed by 10 plaintiffs, including Ovavu Illiyasu, on the grounds that they lacked the legal standing to bring the matter before the court.
The plaintiffs had contested the validity of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, imposed on March 6 for allegedly violating Senate standing rules. They argued that her suspension would unfairly affect their senatorial district and sought her immediate recall. However, the court found that the plaintiffs did not have the necessary locus standi to institute the action and subsequently dismissed the suit for lack of merit.
Despite the court’s ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan has already returned to her office at the National Assembly, following the end of her six-month suspension period. Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, had been sealed since her suspension began. On September 23, the National Assembly unsealed her office, and she resumed her duties, accompanied by supporters who had been cheering her on.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had continued to perform her duties as a senator during her suspension, arguing that she had not violated any rules. The Senate, however, had maintained that her suspension would only be reviewed once the court process was concluded. The matter is still under legal review, with the Senate awaiting a ruling from the Court of Appeal before taking any administrative action.
The Senate has defended its decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing the need to adhere to its rules to maintain the institution’s integrity. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the National Assembly marks the end of her suspension period, but the legal battle surrounding her suspension is ongoing. The Court of Appeal’s ruling will likely determine the next steps in this case, which has significant implications for the Senate’s authority and the rights of its members.
