The Senate announced on Sunday that it will obtain and carefully review the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court’s judgment concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension before making any decisions about her recall.
This was disclosed by the Senate’s spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, in a statement issued from Abuja.
The statement reads, “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment.
“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court.
“Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgment, none can enforce any perceived order or relief.
“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.
“The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements.
“We urge the public to remain patient and assured of the Senate’s fidelity to due process.”
Read Also: Natasha Announces Date To Resume At Senate After Court Judgment On Her Suspension
In March, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate for six months due to alleged gross misconduct.
This followed a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning seating arrangements.
Tensions escalated when Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Akpabio on national television of punishing her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances, an accusation Akpabio has denied.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator subsequently submitted a petition to the Senate detailing her claims of sexual harassment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan then challenged her suspension in court through the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025. Delivering her judgment, Justice Binta Nyako faulted Chapter Eight of the Senate Standing Rules and Section 14 of the Legislative Houses, Powers & Privileges Act, declaring them “overreaching.”
The court emphasized that these legislations fail to specify a maximum period for a lawmaker’s suspension.
Justice Nyako clarified that while the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such actions must not deprive citizens of their representation in the National Assembly.
She noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension, out of the Senate’s constitutional 181 sitting days in a legislative year, effectively denied the people of Kogi Central effective participation in national governance.
Justice Nyako ruled, “The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member. However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament.”
Despite this, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for a satirical apology she posted on her Facebook page on April 27. Justice Nyako determined that this post was linked to the suspension matter before the court, thereby constituting contempt.
The judge ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days, and imposed a ₦5 million fine.
The court’s ruling has led to differing interpretations: some believe it has outright quashed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and ordered her reinstatement, while others contend that the judge merely offered an opinion without issuing such a direct order.
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