Senate sets conditions for Senator Natasha’s return despite court order

The drama surrounding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension continues to unfold, as the Nigerian Senate has now outlined preconditions for her reinstatement despite a Federal High Court ruling declaring her six-month suspension unlawful and excessive.

On Friday, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension imposed in March 2025 was disproportionate, ordering the Senate to immediately lift the disciplinary action and restore the Kogi Central senator to her legislative duties.

However, the Senate has responded by insisting that certain conditions must be met before her full reinstatement can take effect.

In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the legality of her suspension. Justice Nyako, delivering judgment, invalidated certain provisions in the Senate Standing Rules and Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act for being overly broad.

According to the judge, although the Senate holds disciplinary powers, those powers must not result in disenfranchising constituents. She emphasized that the Constitution mandates the Senate to convene for 181 days each year, and a 180-day suspension effectively robbed Kogi Central residents of representation.

“The court is not saying that the Senate lacks the power to sanction a member. However, such sanctions must not negate the constitutional right of constituents to be represented in parliament,” Justice Nyako ruled.

However, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt due to a satirical Facebook post made during the legal proceedings. Justice Nyako ordered her to issue formal apologies in two national newspapers and on Facebook, imposing a fine of ₦5 million.

Speaking after the verdict, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the Senate would not immediately reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Which judgment are we appealing when they (the court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members? The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator,” Adaramodu said.

He noted that the Senate would only deliberate on her reinstatement after she had complied with the court’s directives.

“The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter,” he added.

Senate legal counsel, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a mixed outcome. While the court did not issue a direct order for reinstatement, it criticized the length of the suspension.

Dauda explained that the judge’s comments on the excessiveness of the punishment were non-binding.

“There was no relief asking for the suspension to be lifted. The judge only made what we call an obiter dictum, a non-binding remark, that the suspension may have been excessive,” he stated.

Dauda also pointed out that the court agreed with the Senate’s position regarding social media conduct during litigation, ordering the removal of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s satirical post and mandating a public apology along with the fine.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised the court’s decision and commended Akpoti-Uduaghan for defending her rights.

“I commend Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the courage in lifting the obnoxious suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central),” Atiku wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“I also hail Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension by not sleeping on her rights in a chamber where women are already vulnerable.”

He added, “No price should be too high to pay in the pursuit of justice and the assertion of one’s rights.”