• About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Friday, July 25, 2025
No Result
View All Result
NewsNet Nigeria
  • Home
  • News
    • Local News
    • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
    • Oil and Gas
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • MORE
    • Interview
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Science & Tech
    • Videos
NewsNet Nigeria
No Result
View All Result
Home Opinion

Justice Restored: Why Senator Natasha’s Recall Strengthens Our Republic, By Dr. Michael Tidi Esq.

by NewsNet Nigeria
3 weeks ago
in Opinion
Justice Restored: Why Senator Natasha’s Recall Strengthens Our Republic, By Dr. Michael Tidi Esq.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Whatsapp

The decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered on July 4, 2025, directing the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from an extended suspension, represents a landmark judicial moment in Nigeria’s constitutional journey. It is not only a win for justice but a vital reaffirmation of the supremacy of the rule of law over political expediency.

At its core, this case reasserts a long-settled constitutional truth: that no institution, regardless of stature, is above the law. The court, presided over by Honorable Justice Binta Nyako, found that the six-month suspension slammed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—purportedly for conduct deemed unbecoming during plenary—was excessive, disproportionate, and ultimately unconstitutional. More crucially, it amounted to depriving the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District of their right to representation for nearly an entire legislative session.

While the legislature possesses inherent powers to regulate its proceedings and sanction errant members, such powers are not without limit. The court rightly observed that both the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, as invoked in the matter, were overreaching in their effect—particularly for failing to stipulate a maximum suspension duration. In a legislative calendar that constitutionally spans 181 sitting days, a six-month exclusion amounts to near-complete disenfranchisement.

ALSO READ  Tidi Rallies PDP Loyalists, Urges Grassroots Reawakening Amid Defections

This ruling is, therefore, far more than a procedural correction; it is a constitutional recalibration that restores democratic balance and reinforces the judiciary’s role as final arbiter in disputes involving institutional overreach.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension did not occur in a vacuum. It followed her outspoken interventions on sensitive matters—including allegations of sexual abuse and systemic exploitation—issues that, while uncomfortable, merited attention rather than suppression. By choosing punitive exclusion over investigative engagement, the Senate appeared less interested in truth than in silence. This court decision commendably reverses that course.

Of equal importance is the court’s firm dismissal of the argument that it lacked jurisdiction on the grounds that this was an internal legislative affair. Such a position, if upheld, would have placed a dangerous shield over legislative action, removing it from judicial oversight. Thankfully, the court affirmed that there can be no enclave within our constitutional structure that is immune from review—especially where fundamental rights and democratic mandates are at stake.

ALSO READ  Tidi Rallies PDP Loyalists, Urges Grassroots Reawakening Amid Defections

To suspend a senator for expressing inconvenient truths is not merely an institutional misstep—it is a democratic regression. Parliamentary privilege exists not to shield lawmakers from accountability but to protect the space for open, courageous discourse in the service of the public interest.

There is also a gendered subtext to this episode that can not be ignored. That a female lawmaker—young, outspoken, reformist—found herself disproportionately sanctioned speaks volumes about the additional burdens women must often bear in Nigerian politics. Her reinstatement is not only a legal victory but a reaffirmation of inclusion, courage, and representation for the many women watching from the margins.

Now, the Senate must rise to the occasion and demonstrate its fidelity to the Constitution. This judgment—sound in law and sober in tone—should not be appealed. To pursue an appeal would amount to expending public resources to defend an indefensible excess. Worse, it would project to Nigerians and the world that the legislature is unwilling to submit to lawful authority and judicial pronouncement.

ALSO READ  Tidi Rallies PDP Loyalists, Urges Grassroots Reawakening Amid Defections

Rather than resist, the Senate must comply—promptly and fully. In doing so, it will not only restore a colleague to her rightful seat but also reaffirm its own institutional credibility as a chamber governed by law, not impulse.

This ruling should endure not only as legal precedent but as a moral compass for institutional behavior. Legislative powers, while broad, are not absolute. They are bounded by the Constitution—the supreme law of the land—and subject to the vigilant guardianship of the courts.

In the end, the rule of law has prevailed. The judiciary has spoken with clarity. It is now incumbent on the legislature to listen—and act accordingly.

-Tidi, lawyer, poet, and writer may be reached at mikkytidi@gmail.com

Previous Post

Stakeholders Demand Anioma State at Historic Public Hearing in Ikot Ekpene

Next Post

Delta North Monarchs Justify Renewed Push for Anioma State at Senate Public Hearing

MORE NEWS

RE: Clarifying Anioma Identity and the South-East Question – A Response to the Odogwu of Ibusa
Opinion

ANIOMA STATE: A BRIDGE OF UNITY AND BALANCE FOR THE SOUTHEAST AND NIGERIA

July 24, 2025
Smoking Weeds: Like Ibadan, Like Warri
Opinion

Smoking Weeds: Like Ibadan, Like Warri

July 20, 2025
Seats of Power: Aides, Hyenas, and Why Some Level of Dictatorship Is Needed in a Growing Democracy
Opinion

Seats of Power: Aides, Hyenas, and Why Some Level of Dictatorship Is Needed in a Growing Democracy

July 17, 2025
Ned Nwoko meets newly crowned Asagba of Asaba, says his commitment to creation of Anioma State irrevocable
Opinion

Ndokwa, Ukwuani and the Quest for Anioma State, By Nosike Ogbuenyi

July 16, 2025
Next Post
Delta North Monarchs Justify Renewed Push for Anioma State at Senate Public Hearing

Delta North Monarchs Justify Renewed Push for Anioma State at Senate Public Hearing

Leave Comment

RECENT STORIES

Delta Assembly Advances New Community Corps Agency Bill, Condoles Buhari’s Death

DOPF Seeks Oborevwori’s Swift Assent to Community Security Corps Agency Bill, Applauds Delta Assembly for “Bold and Timely Legislative Action”

July 25, 2025
Guwor Urges Lawmakers to Prioritise Constituents’ Interests as DTHA Resumes Third Session

Delta Lawmakers Embark on Six-Week Recess as Speaker Guwor Reaffirms Commitment to Vibrant Legislature

July 25, 2025
APC NEC Meeting: Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta Delegation Attend as Party Appoints Yilwatda Chairman

APC NEC Meeting: Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta Delegation Attend as Party Appoints Yilwatda Chairman

July 25, 2025
Warri Urhobo APC Members Hold Unity Meeting, Adopt 8-Man Leadership Council

Warri Urhobo APC Members Hold Unity Meeting, Adopt 8-Man Leadership Council

July 24, 2025
Police Smash Kidnap Syndicate Terrorising Delta North, Recover ₦5 Million Ransom

Police Foil Major Kidnap Plot, Arrest Notorious Gang Leader ‘Adusa’ in Delta

July 24, 2025

TRENDING STORIES

  • Solidarity Walk for Tinubu, Omo-Agege a Huge Success – Erhire Counters Oharisi’s Boycott Claims

    Solidarity Walk for Tinubu, Omo-Agege a Huge Success – Erhire Counters Oharisi’s Boycott Claims

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Ogboru Defects to ADC in Surprise Political Move, Sparks Realignment Talks in Delta

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Omo-Agege Rejected in Ughelli North as One Million-Man March Flops — Oharisi

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Ondo Police Arrest Suspected Killers of AAUA Students

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Dafinone: Creation of Ethiope State Will Correct Historical Injustice, Empower Urhobo Nation

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

NEWSNET NIGERIA Published By: Morex Consult Limited - Since 2020.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Local News
    • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
    • Oil and Gas
  • Crime
  • Education
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • MORE
    • Interview
    • Editorial
    • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Science & Tech
    • Videos

NEWSNET NIGERIA Published By: Morex Consult Limited - Since 2020.