The Nigerian Senate says it cannot yet reinstate suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment ordering her recall.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, revealed this in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2024, for six months following sexual harassment allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her suspension came after a report from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.
However, Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court recently ruled in her favor, ordering the Senate to recall her immediately, although the court also fined the senator ₦5 million for contempt.
“The Senate has applied for the CTC since Monday. Once we get it, we will study the contents and act accordingly,” said Adaramodu.
He added that the Senate would not take any position until the court order is officially reviewed, citing the Senate Standing Orders as the basis for disciplinary actions.
Responding to criticisms over the delay, Adaramodu emphasized the importance of due process.
“Possibly, what they were expecting was that anybody can disobey… and that the Senate must not take any stand.”
He also clarified that the 180-day suspension includes non-legislative days, stressing that it is within the Senate’s discretion to determine the length of suspension.
