Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Kogi Central, has been removed from her position as Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision during Thursday’s plenary session.

This move comes just days after a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had been suspended earlier this year. The court’s ruling described her suspension as “excessive” and called for her immediate recall, sparking a series of political and legal debates.

Previously, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content before her replacement in February. Shortly after, she was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee— a position she has now been relieved of, effectively leaving her without a committee leadership role as she resumes her legislative duties.

In her place, Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North East has been appointed to oversee the committee. This reshuffling leaves Akpoti-Uduaghan temporarily without a committee leadership role, a situation that has generated considerable discussion among observers and stakeholders.

During the session, Senate President Akpabio also indicated plans for a broader overhaul of Senate committee positions. He announced that next week, the Senate would review vice chairmanship allocations, noting that some senators currently hold two positions. He aims to ensure a more balanced and equitable distribution of leadership roles, emphasising that every senator should serve either as a chairman or vice chairman.

Legal Backdrop and Public Reactions

Last week, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court delivered a landmark ruling, declaring Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension “excessive” and ordering her immediate reinstatement. The judge critiqued the Senate’s reliance on vague provisions in its Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which were used as a basis for her suspension.

Justice Nyako pointed out that lawmakers are constitutionally mandated to sit for 181 days in each legislative cycle. Given this, she argued that the six-month suspension effectively deprived Akpoti-Uduaghan of her legislative duties for nearly that entire period, which she deemed a violation of her constitutional rights to represent her constituents.

While reaffirming the Senate’s authority to discipline its members, the court emphasised that sanctions must be proportionate and should not unduly infringe on members’ and constituents’ rights.

Looking Ahead

This episode highlights the intricate balance between legislative oversight and individual rights within Nigeria’s political landscape. With the recent court ruling and the Senate’s subsequent reshuffling, many are watching to see how these developments will influence legislative conduct and the welfare of constituents across Nigeria.