One Federal High Court for Abuja don order the Nigerian Senate make dem bring back Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, wey dem suspend earlier this year. She be senator wey represent Kogi Central.
The ruling wey come today, July 4, na from Justice Binta Nyako, wey talk say the six-month suspension wey dem give Natasha on March 6 after she get wahala with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, too much.
The judge talk say Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act and Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules no clearly state how long dem fit suspend a senator. She say:
“Senators suppose sit only 181 days in one legislative session, and to suspend person for six months na like make you remove am from office for almost the whole year.”
She still add say even though Senate get power to punish dem members, the punishment no suppose too much, especially if e go make the people wey vote the senator no get voice for that period.
However, the court still support Akpabio’s action for one part—say e no wrong to deny Natasha chance to talk during plenary that day since she no dey her official seat.
Justice Nyako also throw away Akpabio’s argument wey talk say court no get power to judge the matter because e concern Senate internal wahala. She say the court get right to hear am.
So, the summary be say:
- Senate must recall Senator Natasha.
- Six-month suspension too harsh.
- Constituents no suppose suffer because of internal politics.
- Court get authority to interfere when rights dey violated.
