The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, following her suspension. Delivering judgment, Justice Binta Nyako described the Senate’s six-month suspension of the lawmaker as “excessive.” The court invalidated Chapter 8 of the Senate Standing Rules and section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, ruling that both provisions overreached by failing to set a clear maximum suspension period for a serving lawmaker. Justice Nyako noted that since legislators are only required to sit for 181 days in each legislative session, suspending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months effectively denied her constituents representation for nearly that entire period. While affirming the Senate’s power to discipline its members, the court emphasized that such punishment must not undermine the right of constituents to be represented. However, the court also held that Senate President Godswill Akpabio acted within his rights when he refused to allow Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—who was not seated in her designated spot—to speak during plenary. Additionally, the judge rejected Akpabio’s argument that the court lacked jurisdiction because the matter concerned the Senate’s internal affairs. Earlier in the ruling, the court imposed a monetary fine on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for violating its earlier order prohibiting public commentary on the ongoing case.