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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has applauded the judgment of Justice Binta Nyako-led Federal High Court for lifting the six-month suspension placed on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by the Nigerian Senate.
Atiku who was also the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, while reacting to the judgement, on his X handle commended Nyako for the ” courage in lifting the obnoxious suspension” of the lawmaker.
Recall that AAkpoti-Uduaghan, Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial Constituency, was suspended because she violated the Senate rules. She was therefore handed over a month’s suspension.
Read also: Court orders Senate to reinstate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Atiku Abubakar, while berating the Senate and commending Binta Nyako for the bold decision to set aside the Senate decision, also commended the lawmaker for challenging the order.
” I also hail Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension by not sleeping on her rights in a chamber where women are already vulnerable.
” There is no price that is too great in asserting one’s rights. – AA”
Recall that while delivering the judgment, Justice Binta Nyakohad described the suspension as “excessive” and lacking a firm legal basis.
Read also: Natasha: Court upholds senate’s disciplinary powers
The court held that neither Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Orders nor Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act prescribes a maximum duration for suspension, rendering the Senate’s action overreaching.
Nyako also noted that the National Assembly is mandated to sit for 181 days annually, and suspending a lawmaker for nearly that entire period effectively silences their constituency.
“While the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such sanctions must not go so far as to deny constituents their right to representation,” the judge said.
