The Nigerian Senate has clarified its position on the delayed reinstatement of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating it must first review the full court judgment before taking action.
Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu revealed this during an interview in Abuja, explaining that the legislative body is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court’s ruling before proceeding.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on March 6 following her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The suspension was implemented based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. However, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja recently ruled that the suspension be lifted, though she fined the senator ₦5 million for contempt.
Adaramodu emphasised that the Senate had formally requested the CTC of the judgment and would only act after thorough deliberation. “We expect to receive the document, study its contents, and then comply accordingly,” he stated.
He defended the Senate’s disciplinary measures, noting that legislative procedures allow for reprimands when rules are violated, with suspension durations determined at the chamber’s discretion.
The senator dismissed criticisms of the Senate’s handling of the matter, stating that non-legislators may not fully understand parliamentary processes. He clarified that the 180-day suspension includes non-sitting days, in line with Senate rules.
While acknowledging the court’s decision, Adaramodu stressed that proper procedure requires the Senate to formally review the judgment before reinstating Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The development highlights ongoing tensions between legislative autonomy and judicial oversight, with the Senate maintaining its right to enforce internal discipline while respecting the court’s authority. The situation remains pending until the Senate receives and deliberates on the full court judgment.
Also Read:
Goodluck Jonathan blames frequent leadership changes for abandoned NDDC projects
Anglican church bans political rhetoric from pulpits, issues new guidelines
NRC resumes daily train services on Jos-Bukuru corridor
cc: Daily Post Ng
