The suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced that she will return to her legislative duties on Tuesday, following a court order directing her reinstatement in the Senate.
In a video shared on social media, which began trending on Sunday, Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked her supporters for their solidarity. “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 after a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgment, ruled that the Senate’s action lacked constitutional backing and ordered her immediate recall to the Red Chamber.
However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court for a Facebook post, described as a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which breached an interim injunction issued on March 4, 2025. The injunction had barred public or social media comments about the ongoing case challenging her suspension.
As a result, the court imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for violating the order.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March following a heated plenary session that turned rowdy over seating arrangements in the Senate. The situation escalated when she later accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live television interview.
Justice Nyako emphasised in her ruling that the prolonged suspension was procedurally flawed and deprived Kogi Central residents of their constitutional right to representation. She pointed out that the constitution requires lawmakers to attend at least 181 sitting days in a legislative year, warning that indefinite suspensions without due process undermine democratic principles.
The judge further criticised the Senate’s disciplinary process and urged the National Assembly to review its internal rules to align with the constitution and uphold fair hearing.
ADEOLA KUNLE
