The Nigerian Senate has outlined specific conditions for the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan following the Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension.
Justice Binta Nyako, in her verdict delivered in Abuja on Friday, declared the suspension of the Kogi Central senator as unconstitutional and excessive. The court ruled that while the Senate holds the authority to discipline members, such action must not deny citizens of effective representation in the National Assembly.
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Senator Akpoti Uduaghan was suspended in March for alleged gross misconduct during a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The confrontation escalated when she accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live television interview — an allegation the Senate President denied.
In her ruling, Justice Nyako faulted certain provisions in the Senate Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act, stating they failed to set a clear limit for suspension duration. She emphasized that suspending a lawmaker for 180 days out of a constitutionally mandated 181 sitting days per year effectively silenced the people of Kogi Central in national governance.
However, the court found Senator Akpoti Uduaghan guilty of contempt for a satirical Facebook apology made on April 27, and ordered her to:
- Publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days
- Pay a fine of ₦5 million
Reacting to the judgment, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stated that reinstatement is not automatic. He noted that the Senate would only reconsider her status after she fully complies with the court directives.
“The Senate’s disciplinary powers remain intact,” Adaramodu said. “The court did not overrule our authority but asked for restitution. Once Senator Natasha complies, the Senate will sit and evaluate her actions before deciding on the next step.”
The Senate’s legal counsel, Paul Dauda SAN, echoed similar sentiments. He clarified that the court did not issue a binding order for reinstatement but described the suspension as excessive in an advisory remark, not a mandatory directive.
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Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has applauded the court’s ruling and praised Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan for seeking legal redress.
“I commend Justice Binta Nyako for lifting the unjust suspension and salute Senator Natasha for standing up for her rights in a male-dominated political chamber,” Atiku wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “No price is too high in the pursuit of justice.”
This development marks a major turn in the political landscape of Kogi State and raises significant questions about due process, legislative accountability, and gender equity in Nigerian politics.
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