Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday to contest her suspension from the Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to silence her and infringe upon her right to free speech.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central, filed the suit against the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen, who chairs the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
Legal Battle Over Suspension and Free Speech
Akpoti-Uduaghan is challenging her suspension on grounds of alleged procedural irregularities and constitutional violations. The suit, previously handled by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, was reassigned to Justice Binta Nyako after Egwuatu recused himself.
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, her lead counsel, Jibrin Okutekpa (SAN), informed the court that all necessary documents had been submitted as directed. Counsel representing the Senate and the Senate President — Paul Daudu (SAN) and Ekwo Ejembi, respectively — also confirmed submission of their court filings.
However, both defense teams raised a fresh motion, alleging contempt of court. They claimed that the senator violated a court order by posting a satirical letter of apology addressed to Senate President Akpabio on her Facebook page and in national newspapers on March 27.
A Battle of Contempt Allegations
In response, Michael Numan (SAN), another lawyer on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team, dismissed the contempt claims. He argued that the satirical post had no direct link to the suspended senator and bore no relevance to the substance of the court’s interim order, which barred parties from speaking to the press regarding the case.
Ejembi, on behalf of Akpabio, disagreed — submitting a formal motion on May 5 that accused the senator of mocking the authority of the court through her social media activity.
“Violation of Rights,” Says Senator
In her counter-affidavit, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the Senate President’s actions were aimed at suppressing her freedom of expression. She argued that the focus of her public letter — including allegations of sexual harassment — was unrelated to the issue at hand in the lawsuit, which centers solely on her suspension from legislative duties.
“My satirical response does not constitute contempt,” she maintained, “and is not connected to the pending matter before the court.”
The case has been adjourned for further hearing, with both sides expected to present arguments on the alleged contempt motions and the substantive issues surrounding the senator’s suspension.
