Politics

Senate Sets Condition for Natasha Akpoti’s Return Following Court Ruling

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 6th, 2025.

Senate Sets Condition for Natasha Akpoti’s Return Following Court Ruling

The Nigerian Senate has stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan will not be reinstated until she fully complies with a Federal High Court directive requiring her to issue a formal apology.

This position was confirmed by Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, who addressed reporters following the court’s decision.

Although the court raised concerns about aspects of the suspension process, it upheld the Senate’s authority to discipline its members. Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate’s constitutional power remains intact.

Senator Akpoti Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was handed a six-month suspension in March after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements. The matter escalated when she alleged during a TV interview that Akpabio suspended her in retaliation for rejecting inappropriate advances — a claim Akpabio has denied.

Justice Nyako, in her ruling, criticized sections of the Senate Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act, calling them vague and overly broad. She noted that the suspension duration effectively denied the people of Kogi Central representation, especially considering the Senate is only required to convene for 181 days annually.

However, the court also found Senator Akpoti Uduaghan in contempt over a sarcastic apology she posted on Facebook on April 27. Justice Nyako ordered her to publish a genuine apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within a week, along with a fine of ₦5 million.

Senator Adaramodu made it clear that the Senate would wait for her to fulfill the court’s directives before taking further action.

“The court upheld our disciplinary powers and even agreed that the senator was wrong,” he said. “What remains is for her to comply with the order to issue a proper apology. After that, the Senate will review the matter.”

He stressed that the next step depends entirely on Akpoti Uduaghan: “The ball is in her court now. Once she complies, the Senate will decide on her case.”

Paul Dauda, SAN, counsel to the Senate, described the judgment as a partial win. He highlighted that the court ruled in favor of the Senate regarding the controversial social media post.

“The court instructed her to take down the offending post and issue a real apology,” he noted, adding that the ruling reinforced the Senate’s ability to enforce its internal rules.

Dauda clarified that the court did not nullify the suspension, nor did it mandate her immediate return to the chamber.

“There was no explicit order reversing the suspension. The judge merely noted that the punishment may have been excessive — a comment, not a binding directive,” he said.

He concluded that the Senate would closely examine the full ruling and determine its next legal steps.