The senate | File photo
The senate has commenced the process of amending the Legislative Houses (powers and privileges) Act to strengthen its internal disciplinary mechanisms.
The development follows last Friday’s federal high court ruling that nullified the six-month suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central.
In her judgment, Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, described the suspension as excessive.
The judge also faulted the lack of clarity in the senate standing rules and the principal Act regarding disciplinary procedures and duration.
Advertisement
To address this, Kaka Shehu Lawan, senator representing Borno central, sponsored the Legislative Houses (powers and privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 708).
The proposed legislation, which seeks to offer clearer legal backing for sanctions against erring lawmakers and prevent future judicial reversals, passed first reading at senate on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, the senate spokesperson, said the red chamber has not received the certified true copy (CTC) of the federal high court judgment delivered on July 4 in the suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Advertisement
“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court,” Adaramodu said in a statement.
“Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
