In a dramatic turn of events following a landmark court ruling, the Nigerian Senate has issued a list of stringent conditions for the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite a Federal High Court judgment declaring her six-month suspension unconstitutional and unlawful.
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case in Abuja, ruled on Friday that the suspension imposed on the Kogi Central lawmaker grossly violated both the Constitution and the rights of her constituents to fair representation. The court unequivocally faulted the Senate’s decision, describing the suspension as not only excessive but also a breach of democratic principles.
“The suspension is unduly harsh and deprived the people of Kogi Central of valid representation in the Senate,” Justice Nyako stated, as she advised the Senate to urgently review its internal disciplinary procedures to prevent future constitutional violations.
The embattled senator had dragged the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Neda Imasuen—Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions—to court, challenging the legality of her suspension.
However, while the judiciary has ruled in her favour, reinstatement is not yet guaranteed.
Senate Defiantly Responds
Reacting to the court’s verdict, Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, maintained that the ruling does not strip the Senate of its constitutional authority to discipline its members. He clarified that although the court acknowledged the Senate’s powers, it directed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to make restitution, including a public apology.
“Which judgment are we appealing when the court affirmed that the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members?” Adaramodu said. “The onus is no longer on us. It is now on her to comply with the court’s directive. After she makes restitution, the Senate will reconvene and deliberate on the next steps.”
According to him, the embattled senator must first apologise formally before her fate can be decided. “Once she takes the steps outlined by the court, then and only then will the Senate consider her reinstatement,” he added.
Court Awards Damages, Orders Public Apology
In a move that appeared to split the victory between the two parties, the court also ruled partially in favour of the Senate on the issue of civil contempt.
The Senate’s lead counsel, Paul Dauda (SAN), told journalists that the court condemned satirical social media posts made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during the pendency of the case.
“The court ordered her to take down the satirical apology from her social media handles and issue a proper apology in two national newspapers,” Dauda said. “Furthermore, the court awarded N5 million in damages to be paid for contempt.”
He, however, acknowledged that the suspension itself was overturned. “Let it be clear—the Senate’s authority to discipline its members was not invalidated by this judgment,” he insisted.
The Road Ahead
While Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan celebrates a judicial win that vindicates her constitutional rights, the Senate’s insistence on restitution highlights the continued friction between the legislative and judicial arms over checks and balances.
As Nigerians await her next move, the question lingers: Will she meet the Senate’s conditions, or will the standoff deepen in a battle of pride, power, and principle?
This legal-political drama is far from over, and all eyes remain fixed on the Red Chamber as the story of representation, discipline, and democratic integrity continues to unfold.
PIONEER NEWS 