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

…sets aside N5m fine imposed on her

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, Monday, affirmed the suspension of the Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Senate .
Meanwhile, the court sets aside the content proceedings and the N5 million fine imposed on Sen. Natasha.
The court in it’s judgement said Natasha’s fundamental was never bleached, adding that the Senate has power to discipline any erring member
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.
According to the judgement, 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.
On Natasha’s claim that she was not given prior notice on the change of seat, the court held that the claim was unattainable because there was no provision for prior notification as she claimed.
The judgement read by Justice Mohammed said 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 being told of 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.
Moreover, appeal court held that, the refusal of Senator Natasha to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Petition and Privileges did not help her matter.