Senate Awaits Court Order On Natasha’s Reinstatement

The Senate has said it will not take immediate action on the Federal High Court ruling that nullified the suspension of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, acknowledged that judgment was delivered on Friday in the suit filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan but clarified that the Senate had not been officially served with the CTC or enrolled order.

“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court.

“Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response,” the statement read.

Adaramodu noted, “Since no party has received the court’s enrolled order, none can enforce any perceived order or relief.”

The Senate added that acting on the advice of its legal team, it would avoid any action that could prejudice its legal standing.

“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” the statement added.

“The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 following a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.

The confrontation escalated after she, during a televised interview, accused Akpabio of victimising her for allegedly rejecting his sexual advances, an allegation the Senate President strongly denied.

In response, the lawmaker filed suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of her suspension.

In her ruling on Friday, Justice Nyako held that although the Senate holds the constitutional power to discipline its members, such powers must not infringe on the right of constituents to be represented.

She faulted both Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act for failing to specify a time limit for suspensions, describing the provisions as excessive and vague.

With the Senate constitutionally required to sit for 181 days in a legislative year, Nyako observed that the 180-day suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan effectively deprived the people of Kogi Central of representation.

“The court is not denying the Senate’s right to discipline its members,” Justice Nyako ruled.

“However, such sanctions must be reasonable and must not undermine the constitutional rights of citizens to be represented in parliament.”

The court also dismissed a preliminary objection by Akpabio, who argued that the matter was an internal legislative affair and outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Nyako disagreed, affirming the court’s authority to adjudicate the case.

However, the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt for a satirical apology she posted on Facebook on April 27, which violated a subsisting order that barred public commentary on the case.

As a consequence, the judge fined her ₦5 million and ordered her to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.

In a separate ruling, the court also upheld Akpabio’s decision to deny Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor during a Senate plenary, noting that she had not occupied her assigned seat at the time.

Despite securing a favourable judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan still faces two other legal proceedings in Abuja over allegations of cybercrime and defamation.

Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended Kogi senator, has vowed to resume plenary activities on Tuesday.

She made this known in a short viral clip, which gained traction on various social media platforms.

In the video where she was seen with her supporters, she said, “Thank you for your support. I’m glad we are victorious today.

“And we shall resume at the Senate on Tuesday.”

Though she did not provide further details, her statement is believed to be in reaction to a court ruling that nullified her suspension.