posted 6th March 2025
Nigerian Senate Suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti for Six Months
The Nigerian Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti for a period of six months. This decision follows a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, which found her guilty of misconduct relating to her refusal to take up her newly allocated seat in the chamber.
The Senate, in its resolution, not only approved her suspension but also took additional measures against her. These include the cessation of her salary for the duration of the suspension, the withdrawal of her security details, and a restriction preventing her from visiting the National Assembly premises throughout the period. However, the Senate has provided an avenue for leniency, stating that should she tender a written apology within the period of suspension, the duration could be reduced.
This suspension, however, raises significant legal concerns, as existing case law in Nigeria has previously set a precedent against the prolonged suspension of serving senators. Legal authorities argue that extended suspensions violate the fundamental rights of constituents to representation in the legislative process.
In 2017, Justice John Tsoho of the Abuja Federal High Court, in the case of Dino Melaye v Senate, ruled that the Senate lacks the authority to suspend a senator for more than 14 days, as a prolonged suspension disenfranchises constituents. Similarly, in Omo-Agege v Senate, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba nullified a 90-day suspension and reinforced the position that a senator cannot be suspended for more than 14 days.
These rulings are further supported by constitutional provisions. Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empowers the National Assembly to regulate its proceedings, but this power is subject to constitutional limits. Additionally, Sections 4 and 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution emphasise the legislative responsibilities of elected officials and the right of the people to representation.
Given these legal precedents and constitutional provisions, the Senate's decision to suspend Senator Akpoti for six months is likely to face legal challenges. Critics argue that such actions set a dangerous precedent for legislative overreach and undermine democratic principles. It remains to be seen whether Senator Akpoti will challenge her suspension in court or seek resolution through the prescribed apology mechanism.
