Oluwatosin Enesi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has announced that she will return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a Federal High Court ruling that overturned the six-month suspension imposed on her in March.
The suspension, which stemmed from a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was initially upheld by the Senate Ethics Committee and adopted by the red chamber over alleged gross misconduct.
However, delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that while the Senate holds the authority to discipline its members, the six-month suspension was excessive and unjustified. She noted that the duration effectively denied Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents their right to representation for the majority of the legislative session, which constitutionally requires 181 sitting days.
“A senator is expected to represent her people,” the judge emphasized, stating that such a lengthy suspension was “overreaching.”
Although the court upheld the Senate’s power to impose disciplinary measures, it called on the legislative body to reconsider the suspension and amend its internal rules to avoid similar scenarios in the future.
In a related ruling, the court ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay a ₦5 million fine for violating a prior court order by posting a satirical apology to Akpabio on Facebook.
Speaking to her supporters shortly after the verdict, the senator celebrated the judgment as a win for justice and democracy.
“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.
Our Reporter
