The Nigerian Senate has stated that it will not take any action on reinstating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment ordering her recall.
This was confirmed by the Senate Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6, following a dispute with the leadership over the reassignment of her seat in the chamber.
The decision to suspend her for six months came after a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
During her suspension, the senator’s salary, security details, and access to the National Assembly complex were withdrawn. In response, she filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled in her favour, directing the Senate to recall her. However, the court also found her in contempt and imposed a ₦5 million fine.
Senator Adaramodu disclosed that the Senate had already applied for the CTC of the judgment and would act accordingly once the document is received and examined.
“We will comply with the court order, but the Senate will first deliberate on the contents of the CTC before making a decision,” he said.
He criticized public reactions to the incident, noting that many Nigerians misunderstood the internal workings and procedures of the legislature. Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate is constitutionally empowered to establish and enforce its own rules.
He further explained that the dispute that led to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension was rooted in the Senate’s standing orders, which govern seating arrangements and other legislative conduct.
“Without rules, the chamber would descend into disorder. Our Standing Orders exist to maintain order and discipline,” he said.
Addressing the controversy around the duration of the suspension, Adaramodu clarified that the 180-day sanction includes non-legislative days.
He also stressed that the Senate has the authority to determine the length of such penalties, especially when the Standing Orders do not specify a fixed duration.
He concluded by stating that only those familiar with parliamentary procedures can fully understand the rationale behind the Senate’s actions and disciplinary processes.
