The Senate on Monday reacted to the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the Red Chamber acted within its constitutional powers when it suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over alleged misconduct. In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s parliamentary privilege and constitutional rights were not breached by her suspension. The appellate court held that the Senate has the power to discipline any erring member and that, in the instant case, Natasha’s fundamental right was never breached as she alleged. ALSO READ: Appeal Court upholds Natasha’s Senate suspensionJustice Abba Bello Mohammed, who delivered the ruling held that, by virtue of the provision of Section 66(4) of the Senate’s standing rules, the Senate has the power to invoke disciplinary action to ensure orderliness in the conduct of the Senate’s proceedings. “In effect, members must submit to internal legislative discipline, and courts will not intervene unless there is a demonstrable constitutional violation.”

Source: Nigerian Tribune February 09, 2026 21:36 UTC