Despite the Federal High Court ruling that nullified the suspension of Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ordering her reinstatement, the Senate leadership has insisted that no action will be taken until the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s decision, delivered on July 4, 2025, is officially received and reviewed.
The Senate spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, who said this in a statement on Sunday noted that while the chamber’s legal representatives were present in court, the ruling was not fully read out in open court. He added that a formal request has already been made to obtain the CTC.
“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position,” Adaramodu stated.
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He also pointed out that since no enrolled court order had been served to any of the parties involved, enforcement of the judgment remains premature.
The Senate emphasized its respect for the judiciary and the rule of law, urging the public to stay calm and allow the legal process to take its course.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed in a viral social media video that she would resume her role in the Senate on Tuesday. She expressed gratitude to her supporters for standing by her during the suspension saga.
“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 in the video posted on Sunday.
The ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court declared the Senate’s decision to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan as unconstitutional. The court also emphasized that the extended suspension denied the people of Kogi Central their democratic right to representation.
However, the court found the senator in contempt over a Facebook post described as a “satirical apology” directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Justice Nyako ruled that the post breached an interim injunction issued on March 4, 2025, which prohibited public commentary on the case.As a result, Akpoti-Uduaghan was fined ₦5 million for violating the court’s order.
The senator’s suspension in March followed a heated Senate session marked by a dispute over seating arrangements. The situation further escalated when she publicly accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live interview.
Justice Nyako, in her judgment, also stressed that the manner in which the suspension was carried out lacked legal justification and procedural fairness.
In a related development, a civic group based in Kogi State, the Kogi Renaissance Group, has issued a strong warning to the senator, urging her to avoid any action that could be viewed as unlawful or confrontational in response to the ruling.
In a statement released by the group’s spokesperson, Segun Faniyi, concerns were raised over alleged plans by Akpoti-Uduaghan to make a forceful return to the Senate chambers, a move they said could undermine the judiciary and inflame tensions, as reported by Punch.
“Such a move would not only escalate tensions but also disrespect the judiciary’s ruling and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s legislative institution,” the group warned.T%
The group advised the lawmaker to comply fully with the court’s directives, which not only reinstated her but also imposed penalties for her earlier contemptuous conduct.
Faniyi revealed that their previous support for the senator — including the mobilization of public sentiment through media channels — was based on limited information available at the time.
“The court’s detailed judgment has provided clarity, and we now recognise the need for restraint and adherence to due process,” he stated.
The group also offered an apology to the Senate and to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, acknowledging what they described as the “suspended senator’s previous conduct” and their own role in shaping public opinion without full facts.
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