·. Justifies Senate’s power to review provisions of Senate Rules
· Says Akpoti-Uduagha erred in trying to speak from seat not allocated to her
By Dauda Ismail
While the suspended federal lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has vowed to return to the Senate following an order of a Federal High Court, the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, in the suit filed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against the Senate has been obtained, offering clarity on the directive regarding her controversial suspension and the call for her recall.
The judgment, delivered on Friday, July 4, led to public interest, especially following weeks of conflicting interpretations. According to the court’s ruling, the Senate was not directed to lift her suspension but was instead advised to give due consideration to recalling her.
It should be remembered that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, following allegations of misconduct during a plenary session. The Senate accused her of speaking out of turn, refusing to occupy her designated seat, and making what it termed “unsubstantiated” allegations.
The suspension came shortly after she submitted a petition accusing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment.
It is also worth recalling that on Sunday – following last Friday’s judgment – the Senate stated that it had yet to be served with a certified true copy of the Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which nullified the six-month suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgment, none can enforce any perceived order or relief. The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy, CTC), of the said judgment.
“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court. Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, had stated.
He added further that, “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. The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements. We urge the public to remain patient and assured of the Senate’s fidelity to due process.”
According to the CTC of the judgment which was sighted on Saturday evening, “having found that the Plaintiff acted in breach of this court’s subsisting order, the Plaintiff must take responsibility for her action and remedy same. Thus, an order is hereby made for the Plaintiff to pay a fine in the sum of N5 Million to the Federal Government Treasury and to publish a public apology to the court in two (2) National Dailies and on her Facebook page within 7 days of today to purge herself of the contempt.
“That a Senator can only raise issues of privilege upon complying with the provision of Chapter 3 Order 6 of the Senate Rules.
The 7th to 12th clauses of the judgment, “That I also find that the Senate Rules is superior to the Legislative House (Powers & Privileges) Act by virtue of Section 20 thereof.
“That Order 6 of the Senate Rules gives the power to allocate and re-allocate seats to Senators to the Senate President without conditions.
“That reliefs 4 and 5 bordering on the actions or non-actions of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents, I find that for as long as the Senator (Plaintiff) is not speaking from the seat allocated to her, the 2nd and 3rd Respondents cannot and should not take any steps in the Plaintiff’s matter as the Plaintiff has not complied with the Senate Rules which govern her as well.
“That to suspend a member for a period of 6 months equals to a suspension for 180 days and this is the same number of days a member is expected to sit in the House, representing his people. That I find this excessive and over reaching noting that it will prevent a member from complying with Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.
“That I am of the opinion that the Senate has the power to review the provisions of the Senate Rules and can even amend Section 14(2) of the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act both for being excessive and over reaching.
“That the Senate has the power to and I believe should recall the Plaintiff and allow her to resume representing the people who sent her there to represent them.”
Speaking to AlajzirahNigeria, Shuna Fakum, a public affairs analyst said: “It is clear from the CTC of the judgment that the court did not order the senate to reinstate her as earlier touted by many. Instead of mandating the upper legislative arm to lift her suspension, the court clearly found her wanting, and agreed with the senate in its actions.
“I therefore think the best thing for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to do now is to comply with the Senate and apologise in the way and manner she has been asked to do. After all, she is a lawyer herself and shouldn’t need anyone to interpret the letters of the judgment to her.
“I’d therefore advise her to sheathe her sword and tow the path of peace and reconciliation.”
