Appeal Court affirms Natasha’s suspension, says Senate acted within law

Natasha

By AKPAN ETIDO

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division on Monday, affirmed the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate .

The appellate court held that, the Senate has power to discipline any erring member and that, in the instant case, Natasha’s fundamental right was never breached as she alleged.

Delivering judgement in an appeal filed by Natasha against the judgement of the Federal High Court, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed held that, from 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 Senate’s proceedings.

The appellate court held that, Senator Natasha was wrong on the February 20, 2025 incident when the Senate President allocated a new seat to her and refused to accept the order.

The court also said that, the claim of Natasha that she was not given prior notice on the change of seat was unattainable because there was no provision for prior notification as she claimed.

In the unanimous judgement, Justice Mohammed said that, the Federal High Court, in the first instance ought to have declined jurisdiction in entertaining the suit having discovered that the Senate acted in line with the provision that permits it to suspend any erring member.

The Appeal Court said, Senator Natasha, upon been told the re-allocation of seat ought to have moved to the new seat adding that the Senate was right to enforce order six rule two following her persistent refusal to obey the Senate order.