- Senate says it is yet to receive Certified True Copy of judgment
- Suspended lawmaker won N5m fine for contempt despite court ruling
- Akpoti-Uduaghan remains barred from National Assembly for now
The Nigerian Senate has clarified that suspended lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, will not be reinstated immediately, as it awaits the Certified True Copy (CTC) of a recent court judgment ordering her recall.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that the upper chamber is yet to receive the official document from the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“The Senate had applied for the CTC since Monday. We expect to get the document, and once we do, we are going to comply with the content of the court order. But first, the Senate will sit and consider the contents of the CTC and then take a position,” Adaramodu stated.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her suspension followed a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions.
The sanctions imposed included:
- Loss of salary and entitlements
- Withdrawal of security aides
- Barred access to the National Assembly premises
Court Ruling and Senate’s Response
Last week, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled in favour of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement. However, the judge also fined her N5 million for contempt of court during the proceedings.
Adaramodu dismissed public criticism of the Senate’s handling of the matter, arguing that many Nigerians lack understanding of legislative processes.
“The Senate, by law, is empowered to make its rules. If there are no rules, the chamber will descend into chaos,” he said.
READ ALSO: Ex-Arsenal Star Cazorla Signs New Oviedo Deal at 40 Following Promotion
He insisted the Senate’s Standing Orders empower it to discipline members who violate its regulations.
“Even the court acknowledged the Senate’s constitutional authority to establish and enforce its own rules,” Adaramodu added.
The Ekiti South lawmaker stressed that the 180-day suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan covers both sitting and non-sitting days, and the duration remains at the Senate’s discretion.
“Whoever is not a legislator cannot understand how the legislature works,” he said.
