Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced plans to return to the National Assembly this week after a Federal High Court declared her suspension unconstitutional and ordered her immediate reinstatement. However, the Senate says it won’t act until it officially receives the court’s judgment.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the ruling, criticised the Senate’s handling of the suspension, describing it as procedurally flawed and a violation of the Kogi Central constituency’s right to representation. The judge added that legislative suspensions cannot override constitutional expectations that lawmakers attend the required number of sitting days.
Despite granting her reinstatement, the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt for a social media post seen as mocking the Senate President, imposing a ₦5 million fine for violating an earlier order to refrain from public commentary during the case.
Reacting to the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a video that quickly gained traction online, expressed gratitude to her supporters and confirmed her return to plenary on Tuesday.
But the Senate is urging caution. Its spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, clarified that the chamber is yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling and would not take any steps until legal teams have reviewed the document. He maintained that actions taken prematurely could compromise the Senate’s legal standing.
Meanwhile, civic group Kogi Renaissance has called for restraint, warning the senator against any attempt to forcefully enter the chamber. The group, which had earlier backed her cause, admitted its position shifted after reviewing the court’s full judgment and urged all parties to respect the legal process.