Following a Federal High Court judgment ordering the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senate has resolved to exercise caution and uphold due process, pending receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.
The upper legislative body’s position comes in response to the July 4 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, which nullified Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension as unconstitutional and disproportionate. The court also directed her immediate return to legislative duties, stating that the prolonged suspension denied her constituents their right to representation.
In a formal reaction, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the Red Chamber would refrain from making any hasty decision until the full details of the judgment are available.
“We acknowledge the court’s decision. However, as a responsible institution, we are duty-bound to act only after receiving and reviewing the Certified True Copy of the judgment. The Senate remains committed to the rule of law and internal legislative protocols,” he stated.
BUT The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has dismissed calls for protest over the lawmaker’s reinstatement, urging civil society organisations (CSOs) to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its full course.
At a press conference in Abuja, its Executive Director, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, condemned the “unwarranted call for protest”, citing the need to respect the rule of law and avoid actions that could undermine judicial and legislative institutions.
The development followed a Federal High Court in Abuja judgment on the matter between her and the Senate, which upheld the hallowed chamber’s constitutional power to discipline its members. The court imposed a N5 million fine and mandated her to publicly apologise within seven days for contempt of court.
