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Why Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot resume at the Senate yet
By Ken Harries Esq
In Nigeria’s political landscape, the National Assembly is meant to be a sanctuary of sober deliberation and a place where rules and processes are observed with discipline, decorum and responsibility. Yet in this same hallowed chamber, the suspended Kogi Central Senatorial District Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has continued to demonstrate a determination not to play by the book but to tear it up altogether. Her rebuffed threat to resume legislative duties on 4 September 2025, after a six-month suspension, has exposed a troubling mix of arrogance, hypocrisy, and legal incoherence. It is one thing for a politician to fight for survival. It is quite another for a trained lawyer to insult the intelligence of the very system of justice she once pledged to defend.
The acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, wrote a letter that has since circulated widely, calmly reminding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that her case is still before the Court of Appeal and that her unilateral announcement to return to the Senate chamber is an exercise in futility.
That letter was not a mere administrative formality. It was the institutional voice of the legislature reaffirming a principle as old as democracy itself: that one cannot be both litigant and judge in the same matter. It was the Senate standing firm, refusing to be bullied, and placing fidelity to process above the whims of one desperate politician.
■ The Suspension, the Court, and the Contempt
To understand the quagmire in which Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan now writhes, one must trace the sequence of her missteps. On 6 March 2025, she was suspended for six months following an unruly behavior towards the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seat allocation, a quarrel that she escalated by levelling accusations of sexual harassment without any proof. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions investigated and imposed suspension as a disciplinary measure to preserve the dignity of the hallowed chamber.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan refused to accept this sanction. Instead, she raced to the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking judicial intervention. There, she encountered a ruling that should have taught her humility. On 4 July 2025, Justice Binta Nyako delivered an unambiguous verdict. The disciplinary measures and suspension were indeed found to be constitutional and well situated within the prisms of law and order. Yet, in the same ruling, the court fined her five million naira and to apologize in some National Newspapers for civil contempt after finding that she had violated a gag order. To be clear, the very court to which she turned for relief also found her guilty of misconduct.
This is where the doctrine of equity becomes relevant. The maxim that he who goes to equity must go with clean hands is not a rhetorical flourish but a cornerstone of legal reasoning, recognised in common law and frequently cited in Nigerian jurisprudence. Cases, such as Awojugbagbe Light Industries Ltd v. Chinukwe (1995), stand as monuments to its enduring power. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contempt conviction poisoned her entire plea. She sought justice with stained hands. She left the court diminished and shredded.
Her response to the judgement was not to acknowledge this taint with remorse but to appeal. She challenged the fine imposed while the Senate simultaneously filed a cross appeal. By their appeals, both sides placed the matter before the Court of Appeal, which has yet to pronounce upon it. Under Section 18 of the Court of Appeal Act, filing an appeal does not itself stay the execution of a judgement unless expressly ordered. Yet, in cases involving parliamentary privileges, a higher principle comes into play. The subjudice rule demands that parties refrain from actions that may prejudice an ongoing case. That is why the Clerk’s letter pointed out to the obvious: until the Court of Appeal delivers judgement, nothing can be done. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is bound by that rule. Her decision to disregard it is not only reckless but also contemptuous of the very system she invoked.
■ Playing Judge in Her Own Case
The arrogance of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s conduct lies in her decision to appoint herself as judge, jury, and enforcer. She announced her return to the Senate chamber as though she were the Court of Appeal itself. This is not only laughable but also dangerous, for it undermines the doctrine of natural justice embodied in the principle of __nemo judex in causa sua,_ which holds that no one should sit in judgement over his or her own case.
This principle has been enforced repeatedly in the Nigerian courts. In _Garba v. University of Maiduguri_ (1986), the Supreme Court made it clear that fairness requires impartial adjudication. Yet here is Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer no less, choosing to place herself above that principle. Her unilateral declaration that her suspension has expired ignores the fact that the Senate’s cross appeal is still alive and pending. It also ignores the constitutional power of the National Assembly to regulate its own procedures under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution(as amended). The Senate has exercised that power and appealed to defend it. By attempting to circumvent this process, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is attempting to tear apart the fabric of separation of powers.
Those who argue that the High Court’s order should have an immediate effect overlook the unique character of this case. This is not a landlord–tenant quarrel or a commercial dispute where execution can run immediately unless stayed. This is a constitutional contest between legislative privilege and judicial oversight. In such matters, courts themselves have traditionally acted with restraint to avoid unnecessary intrusions into parliamentary autonomy. The case of __El-Rufai v. House of Representatives_ (2003) is instructive, demonstrating the caution with which Nigerian courts approach disciplinary decisions of legislative bodies.
For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s insistence on barging back into the chamber while the matter is under judicial review is more than procedural error. It is an affront to both the Senate and the Court of Appeal. It is akin to storming the pitch during a football match, while the referee is still consulting the video assistant referee(VAR). It is not only premature, but it is also disruptive. And, in politics, disruption of this kind invites fresh sanctions. The Senate would be well within its rights to impose additional penalties, and the Court of Appeal itself might take notice if it sees her conduct as an attempt to ridicule its authority.
■ Hypocrisy, Partisan Noise, and Lessons from History
The hypocrisy at play here is simply breathtaking. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan claims to be the champion of justice and victim of harassment, yet she herself has been fined for contempt by a court of law. She insists on the sanctity of judicial review, yet now chooses to disregard the same judicial process by cherry picking and acting as though the appellate court’s verdict has already been written in her favour. She wears the robe of victimhood while wielding the sword of impunity. This is not the behaviour of a principled lawmaker. It is the behaviour of a political opportunist who wants sympathy when it suits her and who spits on process when it does not.
Her political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, has joined the charade by urging her to resume duties regardless of the pending appeal. This exposes the bankruptcy of its legal reasoning. It treats the law like a buffet table where one can select only the dishes that appeal to one’s palate. But the law does not work that way. It is a full meal that must be consumed in its entirety, bitter herbs and all. The acting Clerk’s letter is not an excuse, as her party would claim, but a necessary reminder that institutions must be defended from the tyranny of personal ambition and lure for power.
Comparisons from other democracies shed further light. In the United Kingdom, Members of Parliament have been suspended for lesser infractions, and none has dared return without due process. In Canada, suspensions have been treated with the utmost seriousness, with courts declining to interfere in the internal proceedings of Parliament. In India, similar disputes have arisen, and each time, the judiciary has been careful not to usurp the disciplinary powers of the legislature. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s antics, therefore, do not represent boldness but recklessness. They show contempt not only for Nigerian institutions but also for the global traditions of parliamentary governance.
■ The Road Ahead
As of 10 September 2025, the Court of Appeal remained silent. That silence is eloquent. It tells the country that the matter is not yet ripe for conclusion. It reminds us that justice takes time and that impatience is not a substitute for law. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat remains empty, and rightly so. She has entangled herself in a legal bind of her own making. She appealed a ruling that never favoured her, yet she now demands the immediate enforcement of a non existent judgement, ignoring the fact that the whole case remains under review.
This is the behaviour of a politician who has lost sight of principle. It is the behaviour of a lawyer who has betrayed her calling. By attempting to bulldoze her way back into the Senate chamber, she has deepened her isolation, eroded her credibility, and risked a legacy as the senator who could not wait for the courts to do their job.
The question here is not whether the Senate is right to shut its doors against the erring senator. The National Assembly has acted with restraint, dignity, and firmness. It has shown that it will not be cowed by theatrics. Most importantly, it has respected the judiciary by waiting for its verdict. And, it has upheld the constitutional order by refusing to allow an individual to hijack its processes. That is the mark of an institution that takes itself seriously.
The right question to ponder now is whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has learned that theatrics cannot upstage set legal procedures. Whatever the answer, she still has a choice. She can pay her fine, show contrition, and await the judgement of the Court of Appeal. Or she can continue along the reckless path of self-aggrandisement, in which case she risks being remembered not as a trailblazing senator but as a cautionary tale. Nigeria deserves lawmakers who live by the law and not by political theatrics. Clean hands remain the only acceptable requirement in the court of justice. Until Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan acquires them, her rightful place is not on the floor of the Senate but in the waiting room of accountability.
•Ken Harries Esq is an Abuja based Development Communication Specialist
Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President, on Friday, pushed back against reports quoting him as promising to retrieve tickets from winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in lieu of sitting senators, who failed at the party’s primaries recently.
He also spoke on the issue of the comprehensive probe called by Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State, now Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, clarifying his position on the matte, which has since raised a lot of dust within the polity.
The twin issues, dominated the outcome of proceedings on Thursday, on the day the Senators returned after going on recess to participate in the party primaries that took place across board in Nigeria in line with the electoral outlay of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, former Minister of the Niger Delta and now Chairman of the National Assembly, who conveyed his position through Eseme Eyiboh, his spokesman, denied ever making such promise to his colleagues, as it went against the grain of democratic ethos, which he had vowed to uphold.
Regarding the probe of the military, Akpabio, in the statement, stressed the need not to distract the institution, but provide it with all the needed support, giving the parlous security situation in the country, its personnel had been battling relentless.
The statement read in full: “The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to misleading reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the President of the Senate has promised to secure senatorial tickets for senators who lost their party primaries.
“We must categorically assert that this report does not reflect the position of the President of the Senate. For the record, Senator Akpabio has neither made nor authorised to be made such promise.
“What the President of the Senate actually said, in the course of interacting with his colleagues, was to empathise with senators who were affected by the outcome of their primary elections.
“He assured them that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), is actively working to address all issues arising from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in due course in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Senator Akpabio remains committed to party discipline, due process, and the internal mechanisms of the APC for resolving disputes. He will not interfere with the autonomous processes of the party or make commitments that are outside the purview of the National Assembly leadership.
“The office also notes another report quoting a distinguished Senator on the need for the Senate to probe the military over recent security incidents. While legislative oversight is a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly, Senator Akpabio’s position is that this is not the opportune moment for a public probe of the Armed Forces.
“At a time when our troops are engaged on multiple fronts against terrorism, banditry and other threats to National Security, subjecting the military to a public legislative inquisition could undermine morale and operational focus.
“The Senate President believes strongly that support, collaboration and closed-door engagements with security agencies are more productive at this critical time. Oversight will be exercised responsibly, without creating distractions that embolden adversaries or divert attention from the urgent task of securing Nigeria.
“Senator Akpabio urges the media and the public to disregard sensational and inaccurate misrepresentation of his remarks and to always seek clarification from his office before publication.”
No candidate was imposed neither was any member barred from participating in the process, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said on Thursday, which defending the integrity of the exercise, which ended on May 29.
In a statement by Ikenna Enekweizu, National Secretary, party said that all aspirants were given a fair opportunity to participate in the democratic process, adding that the selection process was driven by consultation, consensus-building, and stakeholder engagement through established leadership structures across the country.
Stressing that its National Secretariat was never involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state, contrary to allegations that have emerged following the conclusion of the primaries, the statement added: “At no time has the NDC National Secretariat been involved in the business of picking, choosing, or imposing candidates on any constituency or state.
“Aspirants seeking elective positions were directed to engage with caucus leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members in their respective states, who were responsible for consultations and recommendations based on local political realities. In the South-East geopolitical zone, our presidential candidate, Peter Obi, joined the party with an existing network of respected political leaders and elder statesmen who currently serve as caucus heads across the region.
“These include former governors and senior political figures such as Sam Egwu, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Achike Udenwa, among others. The party explained that these leaders were tasked with conducting stakeholder consultations and helping build consensus around aspirants in their respective states.
“These leaders were entrusted with conducting stakeholder consultations, building consensus, and making recommendations to the party based on their understanding of the peculiar political dynamics in their respective states.
“Aspirants who disagreed with stakeholder recommendations were not excluded from the process but were allowed to test their popularity through grassroots primaries. This process was conducted without prejudice to the rights of any aspirant. Where aspirants disagreed with recommendations made by stakeholders or caucus leaders, they were free to test their popularity through the democratic process at the grassroots level, and this was duly accommodated,” the party said.
Addressing concerns raised by some aspirants following the primaries, the NDC acknowledged reports of individuals prematurely declaring themselves candidates as well as complaints regarding aspects of the process.
However, it maintained that such issues had been referred to the party’s appeal panel and leadership for resolution.
The statement also highlighted the party’s commitment to affirmative action and greater female participation in politics, noting that efforts had been made to encourage women to seek elective offices while also considering the interests of serving lawmakers.
Looking ahead, the NDC announced plans to begin a broad reconciliation process aimed at healing divisions and strengthening party unity after the conclusion of the primaries.
“As resolved at yesterday’s NEC meeting, we now look forward to the commencement of a comprehensive reconciliation process. We count on our esteemed caucus leaders, state chairmen, stakeholders, and party leaders to engage all aspirants and members in the interest of unity, cohesion, and the continued growth of our party.”
The party reiterated that its role throughout the nomination process was primarily to welcome new members and aspirants, reassure them of its commitment to fairness and transparency, and direct them to the appropriate caucus structures for participation in party affairs.
According to the NDC, the approach reflects its commitment to internal democracy, consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for established leadership structures as it continues preparations for future elections.
Idi Abbas, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), on Friday, prayed for a legislation to establish a special court to try those caught in the business of stealing crude oil in Nigeria, saying the current general law was not too helpful in stemming the tide.
It was also a day he claimed that the powerful forces behind the syndicate had a way of projecting fronts while remaining behind the scene, which made it almost impossible to track them to face justice.
In fact, Abbas, a Vice Admiral, revealed that the operation was so perfect that those arrested at illegal refining sites were usually low-level operatives with little knowledge of the larger criminal network.
A guest on Sunrise Daily, a breakfast programme on Channels Television, the Naval Chief noted that many of those apprehended during operations are merely workers paid small sums, adding that such a complex structure of oil theft syndicates made it difficult to identify and prosecute the individuals who orchestrate the criminal enterprise.
“Most of the faces behind these thefts are not really known or are not the ones we always catch. The ones we get at most of the illegal refinery sites are just being given some paltry sum, while the big masquerades are the ones that make the real money. Prosecuting suspects is often complicated by the fact that many of those arrested have little or no information about the people directing the operations.
“In trying to prosecute some of these people that we get, some of them don’t even know who they are working for. So, the network is a very delicate one.
“But despite the challenges the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies are continually refining their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of oil thieves. As they are evolving strategies, we are also evolving new strategies. Like I keep saying, technology is the way forward. With that, we have been able to reduce the level of theft.”
Stating that the adoption of technology-driven surveillance, intelligence gathering and monitoring systems had significantly enhanced efforts to curb crude oil theft and protect critical national assets, he reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to sustaining operations against oil theft, stressing that collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders and host communities remains essential to safeguarding the nation’s oil resources.
The naval boss while assuring that Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities are relatively safe, said the Nigerian Navy had made significant progress in reducing threats along the coast, particularly illegal oil-related activities and sea robbery.
“As it stands today, I can say that our coastal areas and the riverine areas are relatively safe. While crude oil theft and isolated cases of sea robbery remain areas of concern, the Navy has been largely successful in containing such activities through intensified surveillance and enforcement operations.
Hear him: “What we are contending with mostly there is the issue of crude oil theft and some pockets of sea robbery, which we are able to curtail. There is need for the establishment of a special court dedicated to prosecuting maritime crimes.
“This court will focus exclusively on cases involving crude oil theft and other maritime-related offences, helping to address delays associated with the conventional judicial process. The establishment of such a court would significantly accelerate the dispensation of justice and reduce the burden currently placed on the Navy in maintaining seized vessels and other exhibits pending the conclusion of lengthy court processes.
“If we have that in place, I believe the dispensation of justice will be done much faster and then ease the burden of keeping and maintaining some of the arrested vessels, which will be taken off from us because we spend a lot to maintain those vessels under our custody.”
Akpabio: This isn’t time to probe military *I didn’t promise ticket for failed senators
Our primaries were flawless – NDC *Denies imposition of candidates
Hidden syndicate behind oil theft – Navy *Wants special court to try offenders
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