Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced her intention to return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 2, following a court ruling that declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional and excessive.
The embattled lawmaker made the announcement in a video shared on social media on Sunday, thanking her supporters for their unwavering solidarity throughout her legal battle.
“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday, by the grace of God,” she said.
Her statement came two days after Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her immediate reinstatement, declaring that her suspension by the Senate violated her constituents’ constitutional right to representation.
Court Slams Senate Over Suspension
Justice Nyako, in her landmark ruling, held that the Senate’s action lacked constitutional backing and was procedurally flawed. She emphasised that suspending a senator for such a long period—close to the minimum 181 sitting days required in a legislative year—amounts to disenfranchising an entire constituency.
“While the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, such sanctions must not go so far as to deny constituents their right to representation,” the judge ruled.
She urged the National Assembly to review its Standing Orders and disciplinary procedures to ensure compliance with constitutional safeguards, including the right to fair hearing.
Contempt Charge and Fine
In a twist, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a Facebook post described as a “satirical apology” directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The post was deemed to have violated a March 4, 2025 court order restraining both parties from making public or social media comments on the suit challenging her suspension.
As a result, Justice Nyako imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for breaching the interim injunction.
Background
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a heated plenary session marked by disagreements over seating arrangements. The controversy later intensified when the senator accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live television interview.
Her suspension sparked widespread debate and was challenged in court as a violation of both her rights and those of her constituents.
The Federal High Court ruling is seen as a landmark decision reinforcing democratic principles and placing limits on the powers of the legislature to silence dissenting voices.
With her reinstatement, Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to resume legislative functions when the Senate reconvenes on Tuesday.
