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Empowers constituents with 700 computers
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Senate moves to amend rules to provide for specific timeframes disciplinary measures
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday failed to appear at the National Assembly as the Senate resumed plenary, despite her public declaration to return to legislative duties.
The Senate had on Thursday, March 14, 2024, suspended the lawmaker who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District for six months over comments it said contravened its rules based on recommendations of its Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct Committee.
The Red Chamber said her remarks were “unsubstantiated, defamatory, and capable of bringing the Senate to disrepute.” She thereafter proceeded to the courts to challenge the decision.
In a judgement delivered on Friday, July 4, 2025, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, faulted the suspension as excessive, holding that the Senate lacked the constitutional authority to bar an elected lawmaker from performing her legislative functions for her constituents.
“The suspension of the plaintiff is a violation of her right to fair hearing and representation,” the judge ruled. “There is no constitutional backing for the legislative arm to impose such a sanction without recourse to procedure that guarantees the affected party’s right to be heard.”
Following the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan released a viral video over the weekend in which she announced her intention to resume sitting alongside her colleagues at Tuesday’s plenary. “The people of Kogi Central elected me to serve them, not to be silenced by political manoeuvres,” she stated.
Reacting to the court ruling on Sunday, the Senate said it had not been served with the judgement and would respond only after reviewing it. “The Senate is yet to be served with the said judgement. Upon receipt and after studying the judgement, the Senate will take a decision in line with its rules and the provisions of the Constitution,” it said in a statement issued by its Spokesman, Yemi Adaramodu.
However, as the Senate convened on Tuesday morning, the senator was noticeably absent from the chambers. The National Assembly had earlier in the day heightened security at its entrances in anticipation of her appearance. Visitors were subjected to thorough screening, and additional security personnel were stationed around the Senate wing of the complex.
But while her absence raised fresh questions about the enforcement of the court’s order, the senator continued her constituency engagements. In a statement released on Tuesday, she disclosed that she donated 700 computers to Abdul Azeez Attah Memorial College, Okene, one of the oldest secondary schools in Northern Nigeria, as part of her efforts to modernise public education and promote 21st-century digital literacy skills.
Addressing staff, students, and community leaders at the official handover ceremony, the senator emphasised the critical need to align education with today’s technological realities.
“To educate a mind is to enlighten a mind, and a collection of enlightened minds builds a strong society and a thriving economy,” she said. “Now that we live in the age of artificial intelligence and robotics, it would be an injustice to our children not to provide them with up-to-date learning technology.”
She noted that the 700 computers will significantly elevate the standard of education in the region, adding that similar interventions will soon be extended to other schools. “Access to digital learning devices should be a necessity for all students in public schools, as it is in Rwanda and Ghana,” she added.
The Ohi of Okene, HRH Alhaji Okatahi Mamman, praised the senator’s foresight and urged the students to use the devices responsibly. “This is a forward-thinking investment in our future,” the royal father said.
The Principal of AAAMCO, Mr Paul Amoh, commended the senator for transforming the school into a model of academic excellence. He recalled earlier interventions which included the construction of a one-kilometre road within the school, renovation of classroom blocks, and installation of solar streetlights.
“She is not just giving us devices, she is giving us a future,” the principal said. “We are now on a path to becoming a fully smart school.”
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the AAAMCO Old Boys Forum, Engr Yusuf Momohjimoh, applauded the initiative, noting that the transformation of the school has rekindled pride among its alumni. He pledged the Forum’s commitment to safeguarding the devices and ensuring their proper use.
“This gesture will undoubtedly enhance the educational development of our students. It’s not just about computers, it’s about community rebuilding and future readiness,” he said.
Founded in the 1920s, Abdul Azeez Attah Memorial College is a historic institution that has produced many of Nigeria’s finest minds, including former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, among several others.
In a related development, the Senate has begun moves to review its disciplinary measures against erring members through an amendment to its Powers and Privileges Act.
This comes barely five days after Justice Nyako queried the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act upon which the Senate relied to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. She had noted that no time frame was specified in the Act.
To address the lacuna, the Senate on Tuesday passed for first reading a bill to amend its rules, sponsored by Kaka Shehu Lawan.
Titled “Re-tightening disciplinary measures against erring members and other related matters,” Kaka explained in a telephone interview with journalists that it will provide specific punitive measures against erring members.
“Amendments being sought on some provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act are to fine-tune the already existing laws by injecting the required specifics into disciplinary provisions in terms of duration,” he said.
It is expected that the bill will be slated for second reading in plenary on Wednesday.