• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
Advertisement
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
No Result
View All Result

NASS: CONSTITUTIONALITY OF NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN’S SUSPENSION

Steven Atogi by Steven Atogi
March 17, 2025
in Editorial
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
0
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on EmailShare on Telegram

The recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate has ignited a significant debate

concerning the constitutionality of such an action and its implications for democratic governance in Nigeria. Legal

experts and civil society organizations have criticized the suspension, labeling it unconstitutional and a violation of

both the senator’s rights and those of her constituents.

On March 6, 2025, the Nigerian Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, for

six months. The Senate’s Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct Committee recommended the suspension, citing

alleged misconduct, including refusal to sit in her assigned seat, speaking without recognition, and making abusive

remarks against the Senate leadership. This decision came shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President

Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation Akpabio has denied.

Legal experts have unanimously condemned the suspension as unconstitutional. Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of

Nigeria (SAN), highlighted that multiple court rulings have declared legislative suspensions illegal. He referenced past

cases where the judiciary ruled against such actions, emphasizing that the Senate’s decision disregarded a valid

court order and set a dangerous precedent for legislative overreach.

Similarly, Kunle Edun, another legal expert, criticized the Senate’s action, noting that Order 67(4) of the Senate Rules

stipulates that a senator can only be suspended for a period not exceeding 14 days. He argued that suspending a

legislator translates to an unconstitutional denial of the constituents’ right to representation in Parliament.

The suspension also raises concerns about the Senate’s adherence to judicial authority. A Federal High Court in Abuja

had barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with an investigation

against Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged misconduct. Despite this, the Senate proceeded with the suspension,

prompting criticism from legal practitioners who viewed the action as lawless and unconstitutional.

You may also like:SMEs in Nigeria: Surviving Harsh Economic Conditions

The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic principles and the rule

of law. By sidelining an elected representative, the Senate not only undermines the will of the constituents but also

sets a concerning precedent for the treatment of dissenting voices within the legislative framework. Such actions can

erode public trust in democratic institutions and discourage active participation in governance.

In light of these developments, there have been widespread calls for the immediate reversal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s

suspension. Advocates emphasize the need for the Senate to respect judicial rulings and uphold the rule of law to

maintain its legitimacy and the trust of the Nigerian populace. Ensuring that legislative actions align with

constitutional provisions is crucial for the health and sustainability of Nigeria’s democracy.

The suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan serves as a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic ethics and the rule of law, especially in the Senate Godswill Akpabio led 10th Senate. It underscores the necessity for legislative bodies to operate within the confines of the constitution and respect judicial authority. As Nigeria continues in the struggle of strengthening its democratic institutions, adherence to legal frameworks and the protection of individual rights remain paramount.

Destroying the fabrics of society and sacred institutions and foundations such as rule of law, for personal gain portends grave consequences for the future of this country. Whether Senate president or whoever, all are equal before the law as stipulated in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Not even the president is above the law, else Nigeria would be worse than North Korea or Fascist Italy.

Steven Atogi

Steven Atogi

Steven Atogi is Editor-in-chief at Umpire News. Formerly Editor-in-chief at DreamsNG Magazine. A skilled editor, writer and researcher with over a decade experience in politics, economy, sports and entertainment news editing; feature writing, copywriting and digital news sourcing. He has published in traditional and new media across local and international media outlets. He is keen on public policy, politics, economy, and social justice themes.

Related Posts

Trump Tariff Policy: Nigerian Exporters Alarmed
Editorial

Trump Tariff Policy: Nigerian Exporters Alarmed

4 months ago
Insecurity
Editorial

Rising Insecurity Threatens Nigeria’s Food Security

5 months ago
Suspension of Governor Fubara: A Constitutional Aberration by NADECO Former Activist
Editorial

Suspension of Governor Fubara: A Constitutional Aberration by NADECO Former Activist

5 months ago
SMEs in Nigeria: Surviving Harsh Economic Conditions
Editorial

SMEs in Nigeria: Surviving Harsh Economic Conditions

6 months ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NATIONS NEWS

ADC Chieftain Accuses Kano Governor Yusuf of ₦6.5bn Corruption Scandal
National

ADC Chieftain Accuses Kano Governor Yusuf of ₦6.5bn Corruption Scandal

9 hours ago
Peter Obi Can Return to PDP Without Wike Obstruction – Jacob Mark
National

2027: PDP’s zoning move will bring back aggrieved members – South-South Vice Chair, Ogidi

9 hours ago
ASUU stages nationwide warning protest, demands FG address their plight now
National

ASUU stages nationwide warning protest, demands FG address their plight now

9 hours ago
Flood alert: FG warns nine northern states over possible flooding
National

Flood alert: FG warns nine northern states over possible flooding

1 day ago
Medicine prices in Nigeria skyrocket as Tinubu’s executive order fails reduction attempt
National

Medicine prices in Nigeria skyrocket as Tinubu’s executive order fails reduction attempt

1 day ago
Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election
National

Declare emergency in Katsina, Zamfara over killings —ADC tells Tinubu

2 days ago

POLITICS

Osun: Don’t blame Tinubu for withheld Local Government funds –APC Chieftain, Omisore

Osun: Don’t blame Tinubu for withheld Local Government funds –APC Chieftain, Omisore

9 hours ago
Security agencies have infiltrated our party, causing division – PDP Governors lament

Security agencies have infiltrated our party, causing division – PDP Governors lament

1 day ago
2027: Zoning presidency to South PDP’s ploy to campaign for Tinubu – Olawepo-Hashim

2027: Zoning presidency to South PDP’s ploy to campaign for Tinubu – Olawepo-Hashim

1 day ago
Governors’ political meeting at scene of mass murder insensitive — ADC faults Zamfara PDP meeting

Governors’ political meeting at scene of mass murder insensitive — ADC faults Zamfara PDP meeting

2 days ago
Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election

No one can hijack Abia ADC won’t succeed – suspended ADC ex-Chair, Obinna

3 days ago
2027: Why Peter Obi may return to PDP

2027: PDP moves to exact deterrent on Osun lawmakers for defecting to APC

6 days ago

YOUR ECONOMY

Manufacturing and agric sectors decline threaten Nigeria’s industrialisation
Economy

Manufacturing and agric sectors decline threaten Nigeria’s industrialisation

2 days ago
FG launches initiative to cut overhead cost
Economy

FG launches initiative to cut overhead cost

5 days ago
Grant tax relief to media houses —Ex-NNPCL spokesman tells FG
Economy

Grant tax relief to media houses —Ex-NNPCL spokesman tells FG

1 week ago
Rice farmers blame middlemen for continuous price hike
Economy

Rice farmers blame middlemen for continuous price hike

1 week ago
Naira appreciates against dollar on the weekend
Economy

Naira appreciates against dollar on the weekend

2 weeks ago
Largest shea butter refinery in Africa begins operation in Niger State
Economy

Largest shea butter refinery in Africa begins operation in Niger State

3 weeks ago

E & P

The Rise And Fall Of Sports Institute, Isaka
Columns

The Rise And Fall Of Sports Institute, Isaka

by Tammy Opoki
3 days ago
0

The quest to develop sports at the grassroots level in Nigeria necessitated the conversion of Government Sea School, Isaka, in...

KTF Launches Free Youth Tennis Clinic in Port Harcourt

KTF Launches Free Youth Tennis Clinic in Port Harcourt

1 week ago
‘It’s a shame’ – Ex-Newcastle striker, Andy Carroll blasts Isak over transfer move

‘It’s a shame’ – Ex-Newcastle striker, Andy Carroll blasts Isak over transfer move

2 weeks ago
NPFL Suspends S’Eagles Goalkeeper Over Betting Allegations

NPFL Suspends S’Eagles Goalkeeper Over Betting Allegations

2 weeks ago
CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

2 weeks ago
National Youth Games: NSC  Give Asaba Facilities  Pass Mark, Confirms Date

National Youth Games: NSC  Give Asaba Facilities  Pass Mark, Confirms Date

2 weeks ago

YOUR THOUGHT & HISTORY

The Rise And Fall Of Sports Institute, Isaka
Columns

The Rise And Fall Of Sports Institute, Isaka

by Tammy Opoki
3 days ago
Tribute to Old Port Harcourt Boy (Peter Rufai)
Columns

Tribute to Old Port Harcourt Boy (Peter Rufai)

by Tammy Opoki
1 month ago
A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent
Columns

A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent

by Odini Brains
1 month ago
El-Rufai Plans New Party as ADC Backup Against APC Interference
Columns

The Shadow Strategist: El-Rufai, the Illusion of Power, and 2027’s Looming Reckoning

by Odini Brains
2 months ago
Columns

Kidnapped, Silenced, Vindicated: The Full Impact of Kanu’s Judgment

by Odini Brains
2 months ago

Who we are

Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history

Welcome to Umpire News, your go-to online newspaper dedicated to broadening perspectives and expanding the horizons of our numerous readers. Read more

Browse by Category

  • Columns
  • Economy
  • Editorial
  • Entertainment
  • International
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Trends

Recent News

ADC Chieftain Accuses Kano Governor Yusuf of ₦6.5bn Corruption Scandal

ADC Chieftain Accuses Kano Governor Yusuf of ₦6.5bn Corruption Scandal

August 27, 2025
Osun: Don’t blame Tinubu for withheld Local Government funds –APC Chieftain, Omisore

Osun: Don’t blame Tinubu for withheld Local Government funds –APC Chieftain, Omisore

August 27, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
🤑Join & Get Our Easter Gifts 🤑

Enter your NAME & Email NOW!!

Be among the 1st 100 lucky WINNERS to win our Amazing GIFTs this Easter Period as you READ our Daily hot NEWs & make meaningful comments and follow us on our social media handles.

Name
Enter your email address