“He Has No Right to Suspend Me”—Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Fires Back at Akpabio in Court by Citynobs May 14, 2025, 2:39 am In a courtroom drama that has captivated national attention, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground on Tuesday, telling the Federal High Court in Abuja that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had no constitutional right to suspend her. Appearing before Justice Binta Nyako, Akpoti-Uduaghan faced a contempt charge filed by Akpabio, who claims she disobeyed a court order. But in a bold counterattack, the senator filed her own contempt suit against Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate, accusing them of violating a court order that explicitly barred any disciplinary actions against her. “I will not be intimidated. I am a senator elected by the people of Kogi Central, not a subordinate to anyone in the chamber,” Akpoti-Uduaghan reportedly declared. The legal tug-of-war stems from a fiery Senate altercation in February that spiraled after the senator publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—a charge that has inflamed public debate and divided political observers. With both parties accusing each other of violating court directives, today’s hearing could reshape the power dynamics between the judiciary and the legislature—and determine whether political vendettas can override legal protections.
