Senate awaits copy of judgment as Natasha plans Tuesday return

Senate awaits copy of judgment as Natasha plans Tuesday return

The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has proclaimed her determination to resume legislative duties in the Senate on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court decision that overturned her suspension and ordered her immediate reinstatement.

However, although the legislator prepares to return, the Senate has stated that it would take no official action until it gets and reviews the Certified True Copy of the judgement issued on July 4, 2025.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that, while the Senate’s legal staff was present in court, the whole judgement was not read in public.

He stated that a formal application had been submitted to receive the CTC for correct legal interpretation.

“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 said.

He also stated that because no party in the suit had yet received the enrolled order of the judgement, no enforcement could legitimately commence.

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The Senate reassured Nigerians that it is committed to the rule of law and constitutional governance, urging the public to stay calm and patient as the legal process unfolds.

However, the suspended senator stated that she would resume parliamentary duties on Tuesday.

The lawmaker revealed this in a video uploaded on social media that went viral on Sunday.

She thanked her followers for being by her side.

“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,” she said.

In the ruling, Justice Binta Nyako decided that the suspension was unconstitutional and ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate reinstatement.

However, the court found the senator guilty of contempt over a Facebook post that was portrayed as a humorous apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The court said that the tweet breached an interim order issued on March 4, 2025, which prohibits parties from making public or social media comments about the pending lawsuit challenging her suspension.

Justice Nyako ordered a ₦5 million fine on the senator for the post, which was found to violate the court order.

The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan in March following a contentious plenary session that became tense due to arguments about seating arrangements in the chamber.

Days later, during a live television interview, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, adding to the scandal.

In her ruling, Justice Nyako underlined that the senator’s extended suspension was not only procedurally faulty but also denied the people of Kogi Central their constitutional right to representation.

Senate awaits copy of judgment as Natasha plans Tuesday return