Congratulations, Senator!” – Akpabio Reacts To Court of Appeal Verdict Against Natasha

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday expressed his satisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s ruling on the suspension of Kogi lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during plenary, Akpabio described the verdict as a clear affirmation of the Senate’s authority to discipline erring officials.

While congratulating the Senate on the outcome, he also commended the Judiciary for the firm stance it took on the matter.

Addressing senators, he said:
“Your rules derive from the Nigerian Constitution, and the Standing Orders of the Senate must always be respected. Any community without law and order risks descending into anarchy. The suspension imposed on a colleague for unruly behavior has now been confirmed by the Court of Appeal.

“The court affirmed that the Senate possesses the powers to discipline any erring government officer. I just wanted to highlight this—congratulations to all, and we also applaud the judiciary for their firmness.”

Naija News recalls that the Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled on Monday that the Nigerian Senate acted within its constitutional and parliamentary powers in suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

A three-member panel of appellate justices unanimously held that the Senate acted appropriately in disciplining Uduaghan for misconduct. The court further stated that the lawmaker had not demonstrated any violation of her parliamentary privileges or constitutional rights as a result of the suspension.

However, the court struck out the contempt proceedings and vacated the ₦5 million fine previously imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan over her satirical apology directed at Senate President Akpabio.