The Senate has said it will not reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan until it receives and thoroughly reviews the Certified True Copy of the recent court judgment ordering her recall. This was disclosed on Sunday by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
Akpoti Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended on March 6 for six months following a row with Senate leadership over a change in her seating arrangement. The Senate acted on the recommendation of its Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South. Following her suspension, Akpoti Uduaghan was barred from the National Assembly premises, stripped of her salary, and her security details withdrawn.
In response, she sought legal redress at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Binta Nyako ruled in her favour, declaring the suspension unconstitutional and ordering her immediate recall. However, the court also found the senator in contempt and fined her five million naira for a satirical social media post deemed to have breached an interim injunction.
Despite the court’s ruling, the Senate insists it must first study the official court document before taking any action. Adaramodu confirmed that the Senate had applied for the CTC since Monday and would act in accordance with the court’s directive once the document is obtained and reviewed.
He criticised public backlash over the Senate’s handling of the issue, attributing it to a widespread misunderstanding of legislative procedures. According to him, the Senate is empowered by the Nigerian Constitution to make and enforce its own rules to maintain order and discipline within its ranks.
Citing the controversy surrounding Akpoti Uduaghan’s seat change, Adaramodu defended the Senate’s decision to act against her, explaining that the chamber cannot function without internal regulations. He argued that without enforceable rules, the Senate would descend into chaos.
The Senate spokesperson said, “The court recently reaffirmed that the Senate is empowered to make rules and that these rules are binding. That is why we have Standing Orders. If anyone violates them, the Senate, as a body, has the constitutional authority to take disciplinary action.”
He added that the court did not nullify the Senate’s right to discipline members, but only questioned the excessive length of the suspension. Adaramodu explained that the duration of the 180-day suspension included non-parliamentary days and should be interpreted in line with the Senate’s internal guidelines.
He further stated that unless one is a legislator, it is difficult to grasp the nuances of legislative conduct and discipline. He noted that while the court’s ruling will be respected, the Senate cannot be expected to act without first studying its contents.
As Nigerians await the next move from the red chamber, the fate of Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan hangs in the balance, pending the Senate’s official response to the court’s directive.
