The Senate has welcomed a Court of Appeal judgment affirming its constitutional authority to discipline its members, following the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) over alleged misconduct.
In a unanimous ruling, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the Senate acted within its powers and did not breach Akpoti-Uduaghan’s fundamental rights or parliamentary privileges.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Abba Bello Mohammed ruled that under Section 66(4) of the Senate Standing Rules, the Red Chamber is empowered to maintain order through disciplinary measures.
Reacting, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the judgment reinforces parliamentary autonomy and the doctrine of separation of powers.
He noted that the court affirmed that lawful internal discipline does not amount to a violation of fundamental rights, adding that courts will only intervene where there is a clear constitutional or statutory breach.
