The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has filed a contempt suit against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and others over her six-month suspension without pay from the Senate.

Others listed in the Form 48 contempt charge, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja and sighted on Thursday, include the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuen.

Recall that Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on 4 March, while delivering a ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan through her legal team led by Michael Numa (SAN), restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct from proceeding with any investigation against the plaintiff/applicant.

This investigation related to alleged misconduct following events that occurred during the Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025 and a subsequent referral on February 25, 2025.

The court’s order was to remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.

The court also issued an order directing the defendants to show cause why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted to restrain them from proceeding with the purported investigation against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct.

The court declared that “any action taken during the pendency of the suit is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

However, just two days after the court’s ruling, the Senate proceeded to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

In response to the court order, the Senate President contested the power of the court to interfere in the internal affairs of the legislature, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to intervene in Senate matters.

In her contempt charge, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that her suspension constituted wilful disobedience to the subsisting court order issued on March 4, stating that an enrolled order of the interim injunction issued by Justice Egwuatu was duly served on the defendants on March 5.

According to Form 48, the defendants/contemnors “deliberately and contumaciously disregarded” the binding directive of the court and “proceeded with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of the court.”

The court, in a notice of disobedience of a court order signed by its Registrar pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004, informed the defendants/contemnors of their wilful disobedience to the court order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

It warned that defying the subsisting order rendered Akpabio, Senator Imasuen, and the Clerk of the National Assembly liable for contempt of court, which could result in their committal to prison.

However, on Thursday, the Senate passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Akpabio.

This was even as the upper chamber called for the understanding of Nigerians over recent happenings in the legislative arm.

The leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, coming under a point of order, called lawmakers’ attention to how the controversy has been a distraction to the work of the Senate.

He said, “Up until the day we announced on this floor that we were referring a petition brought by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, with respect to Senator Natasha’s flagrant disobedience to the rules and regulations of this Senate and was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, none of us was ever told about any sexual harassment.

“Secondly, I want to make it clear to the public that the issue before us, as of the time, we refer this matter to the ethics and privileges committee had nothing to do with sexual harassment.”

Continuing, Bamidele explained that those condemning Akpabio for being a judge in his case need to understand that the matter before the Senate and on which Akpabio presided over as president had to do with the motion referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition.

“While we appreciate the concern of the public on this matter, I just want to emphasise that it is important we seek the understanding of the general public that we were elected to serve the people and whatever we do in this chamber, we are guided by rules drawn pursuant to the Constitution of our country.

“It is not a rule of men, it is a rule of law. It is not about some men trying to gang up against a woman or anybody, it is about ensuring that our rules are respected. That is the only way we can guarantee peace, law and order,” he stated.

Bamidele also clarified the notion of critics the Senate has no right to suspend any member.

The Senate leader argued that the Constitution provided for it.

He said, “It is very clear on our rules as to how far we can go and we are not of the opinion that we are in breach of either the Constitution or any of our rules. Section 60 of the Nigerian Constitution confers on this Parliament the constitutional rights to regulate its own procedure.

“Suspension, as far as we are concerned, is the only authority to the kind of anarchy that the nation witnessed in the past, where members of parliament had reasons to shout, to get physically engaged with each other, to engage in acts of violence, to tear each other’s clothes and do all kinds of things.

“Thank God we are moving away from that now. It shows that democracy is growing, nascent as it might appear to be. If people have issues with whether or not we can even suspend an erring legislator who has refused, or who is refusing to work within the rules, as I said, it’s for the court to continue to adjudicate.”

Akpabio’s endorsement comes barely 48 hours after Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated her dispute with Akpabio presenting her case at a United Nations forum, International Parliamentary Union alleging political victimisation.

She was suspended on March 6 after a heated confrontation with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she claimed was designed to undermine her.

Tensions intensified when Akpoti-Uduaghan, on national television, accused Akpabio of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.

Speaking at the Women in Parliament session during the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.

She further decried stringent conditions imposed on her, including withdrawal of security, salary cuts, and a ban from the National Assembly for six months125.

Earlier, the Nigerian Senate had defended its decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan before the Inter-Parliamentary Union, stating that her suspension was not related to allegations of sexual harassment but due to gross misconduct.

Speaking before the IPU on Wednesday, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, dismissed claims made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a United Nations event that she was suspended for raising allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Ogbara said she has been mandated by the National Assembly to present a response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s speech delivered at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the status of women.

“In response to the call by the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Right Honorable Tulia Ackson to hear both sides of the matter, I have received a letter from the Nigerian Senate in my capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development of our parliament in Nigeria and the parliamentarian representing Nigeria at this conference,” she stated.

She said, “Such allegations demand a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation. At the same time, we must ensure that fairness is upheld for all individuals involved and that justice is neither predetermined nor one-sided.

“Nigeria remains firmly committed to upholding women’s rights and combating gender-based violence through strong legal frameworks and institutions. Our Parliament and Judiciary continue to undergo reforms to strengthen these efforts.

“The ongoing legislative initiatives seek to address historical imbalances in women’s representation in our Parliament, including the Reserve Seats Bill and other crucial proposed constitutional amendments aimed at safeguarding the rights and privileges of women. These efforts underscore our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable political space.”

Addressing the allegations against Akpabio, Ogbara said, “It is important to recognise that both the allegations made and the responses provided are serious matters that require careful and unbiased scrutiny. This issue, which remains subjudice, involves multiple elements, including allegations of sexual harassment and potential violations of Senate rules. While it is necessary to engage in introspection and understand any potential connections, these matters must also be considered separately.

“It is imperative that we uphold the principles of fairness and ensure that no individual is prematurely judged without a transparent and impartial process. Therefore, I call for the following actions: A thorough and unbiased investigation, ensuring that all claims and defences are examined fairly and transparently.

“Protection of all parties involved, safeguarding the rights of all individuals, and preventing any form of intimidation or retaliation, accountability and transparency and upholding institutional integrity by ensuring that due process is rigorously followed.”

She then read the position paper of the Senate by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

The Senate letter read in part, “Senator Natasha-Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for gross misconduct and unruly behaviour and not as a result of an allegation of sexual harassment or assault.

“The authority of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria firmly refutes the deliberate misinformation and false narrative being circulated by certain media organisations regarding the six-month suspension of Senator Natsaha-Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Let it be unequivocally stated that Senator Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent act of misconduct and disregard for the Senate Standing Orders.”

According to the Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate rules, which led to her suspension.

“If Akpoti-Uduaghan had strictly followed its guiding principles, the Senate would have treated her petition based on merit in line with its practice, noting that she never obeyed the established practices of the institution where she was serving,” Bamidele said.

The statement further explained, “Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a decision of the Committee of the Whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.”

The Senate accused her of “refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on February 25, 2025, despite multiple pleas from the leadership and other ranking senators,” engaging in “unruly and disruptive behaviour,” and making “abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.”

She was also accused of “defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct.”

The Senate maintained that her suspension was necessary to restore order and uphold the integrity of the legislative body.

“No senator, regardless of status, gender, or political affiliation, is above the rules of the Senate.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was a direct consequence of her actions and nothing else,” the statement added.

The Senate called on media organisations to “correct the misrepresentations” and refrain from spreading “falsehoods that undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative process.”

The PUNCH reported that Akpoti-Uduaghan escalated her dispute with Akpabio on Tuesday by presenting her case at the United Nations forum.

The senator representing Kogi Central called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.

In a related development, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and one of the high-ranking senators of the 10th Senate, Senator Solomon Adeola, on Thursday slammed Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying she can’t project herself to be larger than the Senate.

The legislator representing Ogun West disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.

He said, “As a member of the 10th Senate with experience as a member of the 8th and 9th Senate, I make bold to say that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was in gross violation of the Senate Standing Orders and the Senate did the appropriate thing in her suspension.

“We are all senators-elect until sworn in. It is only then that we become Senators under oath to abide by the Constitution and the Standing Orders”

According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not exhaust the internal mechanisms available to her to address her grievance.

The APC chieftain also affirmed that by filing a lawsuit against the presiding officer and the Senate, her petition cannot be entertained in the upper chamber until the court decides on the said suit.

“The Senate as an institution derives its power from the Constitution to make rules for its orderly conduct. The outcome of its decisions can be challenged, but the Senate cannot be stopped from functioning as an arm of government,” Senator Adeola stated.

On her alleged sexual harassment against Akpabio, the Ogun lawmaker explained that making such a bold claim without concrete evidence against the Senate leadership amounts to an affront against the institution of Nigeria’s parliament.

He also dispelled speculation that female senators are suppressed, silenced and oppressed, adding that all honour and courtesies due to any senator are accorded to them within and outside the Red Chamber.

The senator also commended the House of Representatives Committee Chairperson on Women Affairs and Nigeria’s representative at the International Parliamentary Union, Khafilat Oghara for standing for the truth.

“I want to call on the IPU, not to be coaxed to do anything that will diminish the status of the parliament as the bastion of democracy. IPU should not succumb to being used as an instrument of blackmail against a national institution of parliament.” Adeola stated.

He also praised the IPU president for not ‘swallowing’ the allegations of Akpoti-Uduaghan hook, line and sinker.

According to him, the Kogi legislator remains suspended until she fulfils the conditions offered for her suspension to be reconsidered or if a court of competent jurisdiction decides otherwise in her case.

Recall that former Senate President Ahmad Lawan has also distanced himself from speculation making the round that he backed the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in her sexual harassment allegation against his successor, Godswill Akpabio.

Lawan Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday.

Lawan maintained his innocence, stating that his intervention in the matter at the Senate plenary should not be seen as an act of endorsement.

The statement read, “At no point did Senator Lawan defend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan or take sides in the allegations against the Senate President. His intervention was purely a matter of principle, reflecting his commitment to due process and the rule of law.

“Senator Lawan, in his intervention, cautioned the Senate against adopting this recommendation, emphasizing that such a decision could set a dangerous precedent that might be exploited against lawmakers in the future. His remarks were strictly procedural and aimed at upholding the integrity and independence of the National Assembly.

 “We wish to categorically state that these reports are entirely false and a gross misrepresentation of the facts. Senator Ahmad Lawan remains a statesman who prioritises the stability and dignity of the National Assembly. He urges the media and the public to disregard any insinuations that suggest otherwise.”