The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reacted to the recent decision of the Court of Appeal which upheld her suspension by the Nigerian Senate but struck out the ₦5 million fine previously imposed on her.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja ruled that the Nigerian Senate acted within its constitutional and parliamentary powers when it suspended Senator Natasha for six months over alleged misconduct. The appellate court held that the suspension did not violate her parliamentary privileges or constitutional rights.
In the same judgment, the court struck out the contempt proceedings initiated against her and vacated the ₦5 million fine earlier imposed for publishing a satirical apology directed at the Senate President.
The appellate judges affirmed that the Senate’s authority to discipline its members is grounded in its rules and the Constitution, confirming that it had the power to suspend her for breach of its procedures.
Sources within the senator’s legal team described the ruling as a vindication of due process and the rule of law, stating that the judgment underscored the principle that legislative disciplinary powers must operate within constitutional and procedural boundaries.
“The Court of Appeal has once again reinforced the principle that no authority is above the law. Where due process is ignored, the outcome cannot stand,” a source said.
Following the judgment, Senator Natasha shared her reaction on Instagram, writing: “Zero 0️⃣ … Nada 👎 … Court of Appeal strikes out the 5m naira fine. Says no apology too 🙂 NO APOLOGY. N5M FINE #UNBOWED #UNBENT #UNBROKEN”
The ruling marks a significant development in the dispute between the senator and the Senate leadership, affirming the chamber’s disciplinary powers while setting aside the financial penalty imposed on her.
