Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has initiated a contempt suit against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and several others due to her recent six-month suspension from the Senate without pay. The suit, filed in the Federal High Court in Abuja, also names the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuen, as defendants.
On March 4, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered the Senate Committee on Ethics to halt any investigations against Akpoti-Uduaghan related to alleged misconduct during Senate proceedings on February 20 and a subsequent referral on February 25. This ruling mandated that the Senate cannot proceed with any actions that would interfere with her case while the motion for an interlocutory injunction is under consideration.
Despite this court ruling, just two days later, the Senate moved forward with the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan. In response, the Senate President argued that the court lacks the authority to involve itself in Senate matters.
In her contempt suit, Akpoti-Uduaghan claims that her suspension is a blatant disregard for the court order that was served to the defendants on March 5. She alleges that the defendants acted “deliberately and contumaciously” in defiance of the court’s directive, which renders their actions void.
The court has notified the defendants of their disobedience to the court order, warning them that they could face contempt charges, including possible imprisonment. Despite the ongoing legal confrontation, the Senate expressed its support for Akpabio’s leadership by passing a vote of confidence in his authority.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele addressed the chamber, stating that the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan has distracted the Senate from its responsibilities. He clarified that the issues leading to her suspension were not related to any allegations of sexual harassment but were based on her violations of Senate rules and protocols.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended following a heated exchange with Senate officials regarding a new seating arrangement, which she argued was aimed at undermining her position. She subsequently raised allegations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, asserting that her suspension was a punitive response for rejecting his advances.
At a forum held by the Inter-Parliamentary Union at the United Nations, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international oversight, claiming political victimization and outlining the sanctions imposed on her, including security withdrawal and salary cuts.
The Nigerian Senate has since defended its actions, claiming the suspension resulted from gross misconduct, not the harassment allegations raised by Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate remains steadfast in its position that the institution has the right to regulate its procedures.
Senator Solomon Adeola notably criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan, emphasizing that no senator is above the rules and suggesting that she failed to utilize the internal mechanisms available for resolving grievances. He also warned against making serious accusations without substantial evidence.
The ongoing situation continues to develop as discussions regarding the governance of the Senate and the rights of its members unfold, highlighting the complex dynamics within Nigeria’s political landscape.
