Senate discipline amendment bill passes first reading, aiming to enforce clearer sanctions for misconduct after court voided Akpoti’s six-month suspension
Senate discipline amendment bill passed its first reading on Tuesday, aiming to introduce defined sanctions for misconduct after the court’s ruling on Senator Akpoti.
Also read: Natasha Akpoti Senate Suspension Sparks Bold Defiance against Injustice
The Nigerian Senate is moving to strengthen its internal disciplinary procedures with a new amendment bill that could significantly alter how erring lawmakers are sanctioned.
On 8 July, the Senate passed the first reading of the “Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025,” sponsored by Senator Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central).
The Senate discipline amendment bill seeks to introduce more stringent penalties for lawmakers found guilty of misconduct, while streamlining the process of disciplinary action.
It proposes to eliminate lengthy committee investigations by ensuring that specific offences carry predetermined punishments.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Senator Shehu said, “The amendment seeks to tighten disciplinary measures among erring members and address related matters within legislative procedure.”
The legislative push comes on the heels of a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which declared as unlawful the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) in March 2025.
Akpoti was suspended following an incident during plenary on 20 February, with the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee recommending the sanction. She subsequently challenged the decision in court.
Justice Binta Nyako, in her judgment, ruled that the lengthy suspension violated Section 21(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, which limits suspensions to a maximum of 14 legislative days.
She noted that the penalty effectively denied Akpoti’s constituents their right to representation for half a legislative year.
While declaring the suspension unlawful, the judge found Akpoti guilty of civil contempt for a Facebook post she made while the case was pending.
The amendment seeks to tighten disciplinary measures among erring members and address related matters within legislative procedure.
The court fined her ₦5 million and ordered a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page, but declined to sentence her due to the civil nature of the offence.
Currently, Senate Order 66(8) allows the Senate President to direct the suspension of a senator, but such a move must remain within legal bounds.
The new amendment aims to remove ambiguity and prevent any future excesses by clearly stating punishments for specific breaches of conduct.
“The current procedure requires investigative committees and prolonged deliberations that often politicise the issue,” a Senate source said. “This bill aims to remove discretion where possible.”
The court’s judgment on Akpoti’s suspension reignited public debate over legislative accountability and the separation of powers.
Civil society groups welcomed the ruling as a victory for democratic representation, while some lawmakers expressed concerns about judicial overreach.
The proposed Senate discipline amendment bill, if passed, will reshape how disciplinary cases are handled within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
It could also enhance transparency and public trust in the National Assembly’s internal processes.
Next steps for the bill include a second reading in the coming weeks, where lawmakers will debate its substance, followed by referral to a Senate committee.
A public hearing will allow stakeholders, including legal experts and civil society, to provide input before it progresses to third reading and possible final passage.
Also read: Reps Suspend Senate Bills in Bold Protest Over 146 Ignored House Proposals
If enacted, the bill may reduce internal conflict, protect legislative integrity, and provide a legally consistent framework for handling misconduct—while guarding against arbitrary suspensions that undermine democratic rights.
