Senate Sets Conditions for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Return After Court Ruling

The Senate has outlined conditions for the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension. The judgment, delivered on Friday by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja, described the suspension as excessive and directed the Senate to reinstate the Kogi Central lawmaker. Justice Nyako emphasized that while the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such actions must not infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens to be represented in parliament. She noted that with the Senate constitutionally required to sit for only 181 days each legislative year, a 180-day suspension effectively denied the people of Kogi Central their voice in national governance.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for alleged gross misconduct following a heated clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which included public accusations that Akpabio had retaliated against her for rejecting alleged sexual advances. The Senate President has denied the allegations. In response to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit challenging its legality, citing overreach in the Senate’s internal rules and legislative authority.

Justice Nyako agreed that both the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act lacked clarity on the limits of disciplinary measures. However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt over a satirical Facebook post published on April 27, ruling that the post related directly to the ongoing proceedings. The judge ordered her to issue a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days, and imposed a fine of N5 million.

Following the judgment, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said Akpoti-Uduaghan would not be immediately reinstated. He insisted that the court had not invalidated the Senate’s constitutional right to discipline its members. According to him, the court required the senator to make restitution first, and the Senate would review the content of her apology before making any decision. Adaramodu added that the responsibility now lies with Akpoti-Uduaghan to comply with the court’s orders, after which the Senate will deliberate on the next steps.

Senate counsel Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the legislature, particularly regarding the contempt finding. He said the court upheld the Senate’s argument that no social media posts should have been made during the litigation. He also noted that the judge’s comments on the suspension being excessive were non-binding and merely advisory. Dauda emphasized that the court did not issue a direct order for reinstatement but left the decision to the Senate’s discretion.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the court’s decision, commending Justice Nyako for what he described as a courageous judgment and lauding Akpoti-Uduaghan for defending her rights. In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku described the suspension as “obnoxious” and emphasized that the pursuit of justice is worth any cost. As of Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan had yet to publicly respond to the ruling or confirm whether she would comply with the court’s conditions.