The Senate says it won’t reinstate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until it receives the court’s official judgment.
Despite a ruling in her favor, lawmakers insist due process must be followed before any decision.
SEE ALSO: Akpabio Heads to Appeal Court Over Natasha Suspension Verdict
The Nigerian Senate has said it cannot reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan just yet, despite a court ruling in her favor.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the Senate is still waiting to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment from the Federal High Court.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her suspension came after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, investigated the matter and made recommendations.
Last week, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the suspension unconstitutional and ordered the Senate to reinstate her. The court also fined her ₦5 million for contempt.
However, Adaramodu said the Senate cannot act until it reviews the official court ruling. “We applied for the CTC last Monday. Once we receive and go through it, the Senate will decide what to do,” he said.
He noted that the Senate operates by its internal rules, which give it power to discipline any member who breaches its Standing Orders. “If a senator violates the rules, the Senate can take necessary action,” he added.
Adaramodu also clarified that the 180-day suspension period includes both sitting and non-sitting days, stressing that only those familiar with legislative practice would understand the process.
For now, the Senate says it is waiting for the official judgment before deciding on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return.
