Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has affirmed her intention to resume her legislative seat on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her suspension and directed her immediate reinstatement.
Despite her plans, the Senate has made it clear that it will not act until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s decision delivered on July 4, 2025. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, explained that while the Senate’s legal representatives were present at the hearing, the full judgment was not read in open court. He stated, “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.”
Adaramodu further clarified that since no party has been served the enrolled order of the judgment, enforcement cannot proceed at this time. The Senate urged Nigerians to remain calm and patient as the legal process continues.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a video circulating on social media, expressed gratitude to her supporters and declared, “I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God.”
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case, ruled that the senator’s suspension was unconstitutional and ordered her immediate return to the Red Chamber. However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt for a satirical Facebook post directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, violating a prior court order restricting public commentary on the ongoing case. For this, she was fined N5 million.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March followed a heated Senate session over seating arrangements. The situation escalated when she later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment during a televised interview.
Justice Nyako emphasized that the suspension not only lacked procedural fairness but also deprived Kogi Central constituents of their right to representation.
The Kogi Renaissance Group has since cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan against any attempt to forcibly re-enter the Senate, warning that such actions could heighten tensions and undermine the judiciary’s authority. The group, represented by Segun Faniyi, admitted that their earlier support for the senator was based on incomplete information and now called for restraint and respect for due process.
okay.ng reports that the group extended an apology to the Senate and its President for the senator’s previous actions, underscoring the importance of upholding legal and legislative integrity.
