Tension is rising in the National Assembly as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan plans to return to the Senate today, despite a court case still in progress.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March for six months after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment during a heated plenary session.
But last Friday, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was unconstitutional, excessive, and violated the rights of her constituents. The court ordered the Senate to lift the suspension.
“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,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told her cheering supporters in a video posted online.
However, the Senate leadership has responded cautiously. It said it would not act on the court ruling until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
In a statement on Sunday, the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the full ruling was not read in open court and the Senate needs to carefully study the court’s instructions.
“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,” he said.
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Court Fines Natasha N5 Million Over Facebook Post
While the court ruled in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s favour over the suspension, it also found her guilty of contempt of court. Justice Binta Nyako said the senator violated a previous court order by posting a satirical apology to Senate President Akpabio on Facebook.
The post, according to the court, broke an earlier ruling that barred all parties from making public comments or social media posts about the case.
The court fined Akpoti-Uduaghan ₦5 million and ordered her to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days. As of Monday night, she had not done so.
The Senate’s decision to delay action has created uncertainty about what will happen if Akpoti-Uduaghan enters the chamber today.
She has insisted on returning to her duties, while the Senate is waiting for legal clarity.