A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed further proceedings in a fundamental rights enforcement lawsuit brought by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) until March 25. The adjournment allows the respondents—the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, the Senate President, and Senator Neda Imasuem, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct—to file their responses to the suit.
The case took a significant step forward on March 4 when Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted interim injunctions following an ex parte motion filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan. Among the orders was a directive for the respondents to justify within 72 hours why her motion for interlocutory injunctions should not be upheld. The senator’s motion seeks to bar the respondents from continuing an investigation into alleged misconduct, arguing that such actions violate her rights under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. In her substantive suit, Akpoti-Uduaghan asserts that she was denied a fair hearing.
During the latest court session, lawyers representing the Clerk, the Senate, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio claimed their clients had not yet received the relevant court documents. However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Numa (SAN), countered that all respondents had been duly served, with evidence of service already in the court’s possession. Justice Egwuatu reviewed the file and confirmed the service, prompting Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), to request an adjournment to allow the parties to regularize their processes. Lawyers for the other respondents supported this move, noting it would streamline proceedings at the next hearing. The judge agreed, ordering all parties to file and serve their processes before adjourning the case to March 25.
Beyond the courtroom, the case has sparked broader debate. In Bauchi, Representative Mansur Manu Soro (Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency) called for a constitutional amendment to limit the powers of the Senate President and House Speaker to suspend lawmakers. Soro argued that while the 1999 Constitution details impeachment processes for the President and governors, it offers no clear framework for suspending elected legislators, leaving room for potential abuse.
Public reactions have also intensified. Atedo Peterside, founder of Anap Foundation and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, labeled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as disrespectful to her constituents, calling it a disturbing precedent in a post on X. Meanwhile, the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Professionals group criticized former Senate President Bukola Saraki for urging Akpabio to avoid politicizing the matter. In a statement signed by President Edidiong John and Secretary Kemfon Neke, the group reminded Saraki of the Senate’s Standing Orders, which bar discussion of issues under judicial review.
As the March 25 hearing approaches, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case continues to highlight tensions over legislative authority, constitutional rights, and the balance of power within Nigeria‘s National Assembly. The outcome could set a precedent for how lawmakers’ privileges and disciplinary processes are handled in the future.
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