Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has indicated her intention to resume legislative duties today, a development that is being carefully considered by the Senate leadership following a recent court judgment that nullified her six-month suspension.
In a message to her constituents, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her gratitude for their steadfast support and shared her anticipation of returning to the Red Chamber. “I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate by the grace of God,” she conveyed, acknowledging the favorable court ruling that affirmed her position.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Friday, declared the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as “excessive, unconstitutional, and an infringement on the rights of her constituents,” ordering her reinstatement. However, the court also imposed a N5 million fine on the Senator for contempt of court, citing a Facebook post deemed to have violated an earlier judicial order. Justice Binta Nyako, in her ruling, found that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s satirical apology, directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, breached an interim injunction from March 4, 2025, which had prohibited public statements related to her ongoing suit challenging the suspension. The court further directed her to publish a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days.
Senate Seeks Clarity on Court Pronouncement
Following Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement, the upper legislative chamber has stated it will proceed cautiously, awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s pronouncement before taking any official action. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, explained on Sunday that while the Senate’s legal representatives were present in court, the complete judgment was not read in open court.
“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,” Senator Adaramodu’s statement partly read, underscoring the Senate’s commitment to due process.
Background to the Suspension
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March followed a plenary session where she raised allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. This suspension drew considerable attention and concern from various civil society and human rights organizations. Subsequently, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan initiated legal proceedings against the Senate and its leadership, asserting that the action was an attempt to stifle her voice and disenfranchise her constituents.
The contempt application against her arose from a Facebook post dated April 27, which the Senate President’s lawyers characterized as a “mock apology” and a defiance of the court’s gag order. While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team argued the post was distinct from the suspension case and pertained to her allegations against the Senate President, Justice Nyako concluded that the post was indeed linked to the matter before the court and constituted a breach of its directive.
Majeed Dahiru Advocates for Constructive Engagement
Reflecting on the situation, renowned journalist and newspaper columnist, Majeed Dahiru, speaking on AIT’s Kakaaki show, emphasized the importance of fostering a diplomatic and political resolution. Dahiru advocated for finding a “middle ground” to navigate the complexities, suggesting that continued legal confrontation could be detrimental to all parties involved, particularly the constituents.
Dahiru acknowledged the multifaceted interpretations of the court’s pronouncement, noting that while the Senate holds the authority to address rule violations, the nature of the court’s “opinion” on the Facebook post adds a layer of nuance. He advised against actions that could lead to further appeals and prolonged absence from her legislative duties, which would significantly impact her constituents’ representation.
He clarified that the court’s contempt finding was specifically related to the violation of the interim injunction, not the allegations of sexual harassment. Dahiru suggested that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could fulfill the court’s directive regarding the apology for violating Senate rules, while maintaining her pursuit of justice regarding her allegations against the Senate President, provided she has the necessary evidence.
Dahiru underscored the critical role of representation, noting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence from legislative processes, such as constitutional amendments and tax law debates, deprives her Senatorial District of a voice. He urged for a constructive approach, recommending that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan formally communicate with the Senate Clerk, providing a copy of the judgment, and patiently await their official response. Dahiru concluded by advocating for a political resolution, highlighting that prolonged legal battles would ultimately impede effective governance and representation.
