Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) has expressed strong support for the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension from the Senate.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Saturday, Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, said he has consistently opposed prolonged suspensions of lawmakers, describing them as unconstitutional and contrary to democratic norms.
“I sympathise with Natasha. I have never supported any parliamentary body suspending members for extended periods,” he said. “The Senate leadership and my colleagues know my position, which is rooted in the law, the constitution, and my personal conviction.”
He added that disagreements are a natural part of legislative duties and must be handled with mutual respect.
“Senators are here to agree and disagree in the national interest. We must learn to tolerate and respect each other’s opinions,” he said.
Dickson called for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate return to her seat, stressing the importance of her contributions to the Senate.
“I was not present when her suspension was announced, but that’s not the issue. What matters is that she resumes and continues her constitutional duties. I understand the court has already ruled on it,” he said.
Two weeks ago, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of her constituents’ rights. Justice Binta Nyako ordered her immediate reinstatement and awarded a ₦5 million fine against her for contempt, in connection with a Facebook post that breached an earlier court order dated March 4, 2025.
While the post—allegedly mocking Senate President Godswill Akpabio—was found to have violated a court injunction, the judge held that the Senate exceeded its constitutional powers by suspending her for six months.
