Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated senators following the Court of Appeal judgment that upheld the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Akpabio made the remarks on Tuesday at the commencement of an emergency plenary session of the Senate.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had ruled that the Senate acted within its constitutional powers when it suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan in March 2025 over alleged misconduct. In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the senator’s parliamentary privilege and constitutional rights were not violated by the suspension.
Addressing his colleagues, Akpabio said the Senate’s rules are derived from the Constitution and that adherence to the chamber’s Standing Orders is essential for maintaining order.
READ ALSO:Â Akpabio Arrives Senate As Emergency Plenary Begins On Electronic Results Transmission
He said the appellate court’s decision confirmed the Senate’s authority to discipline its members, noting that any institution without law and order would descend into anarchy.
Akpabio added that the judgment validated the disciplinary action taken against Akpoti-Uduaghan and commended the judiciary for what he described as its firmness.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ruling has effectively affirmed the Senate’s disciplinary powers over its members.