The Senate has insisted that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan must fulfill specific conditions before her reinstatement, despite a Federal High Court ruling that declared her six-month suspension unlawful.
Justice Binta Nyako, in a judgment delivered Friday in Abuja, ordered the immediate reinstatement of the Kogi Central lawmaker, describing her suspension as “excessive.” Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for alleged gross misconduct following a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. The dispute deepened after the senator accused Akpabio on national television of targeting her for rejecting his alleged sexual advances.
Reacting to the court verdict, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the upper chamber would not reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan immediately. He emphasized that the ruling did not strip the Senate of its constitutional authority to discipline its members.
“The court did not override our powers. It only affirmed that the Senate can sanction erring members,” Adaramodu stated. “It was established that she erred. The court asked her to make restitution, and until she does, the Senate will not act.”
According to him, Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to apologize as part of the restitution process. “The onus is now on her to comply with the court’s directive. Once she does that, the Senate will reconvene to consider the matter and determine the next steps,” he said.
The Senate is expected to deliberate further on the issue upon the senator’s compliance with the court’s recommendations.
