ABUJA —

The Nigerian Senate is taking steps to tighten disciplinary rules against erring lawmakers following its legal battle with Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), whose six-month suspension was recently overturned by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

At the center of the new legislative push is the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (SB. 708), sponsored by Senator Shehu Lawan Kaka (APC, Borno Central), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties.

The bill, which passed first reading on Tuesday, seeks to amend existing laws to provide clear guidelines and legal backing for disciplinary measures within Nigeria’s legislative houses, including the duration and scope of suspensions or sanctions.

• “The amendments we are seeking aim to clarify and strengthen disciplinary provisions, especially with respect to the duration of sanctions imposed on erring members,” Senator Kaka said during a telephone interview.

Legal Trigger: Court Rules Suspension Unlawful

The Senate’s move comes after Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the Red Chamber had no legal authority under the current Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act to suspend Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months.

Justice Nyako noted that the law does not provide specific timelines for suspensions, making the Senate’s action legally baseless and excessive. The court subsequently ordered the immediate reinstatement of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Legislative Gap and Urgent Reforms

Insiders at the National Assembly say the planned amendment is aimed at closing the legal loophole exposed by the court ruling. The new bill is expected to come up for second reading during plenary on Wednesday.

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The Senate is reportedly seeking to codify disciplinary timelines, define procedures for investigating misconduct, and ensure constitutionality in future actions against members.

Background

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, after a heated altercation with fellow lawmakers. Her suspension sparked public and legal debate about the limits of legislative power, leading to a judicial review of the Senate’s disciplinary authority.

The proposed legal reforms are seen as part of a broader move to protect the institutional integrity of the National Assembly while upholding the rights of elected representatives.

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