Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has provided further clarity on her earlier statement regarding her intention to resume legislative duties today, Tuesday, July8 2025). The Senator emphasized that her initial pronouncement, made immediately after a Federal High Court ruling nullified her suspension, reflected her commitment to ensuring her constituents are not deprived of representation. The court had declared her six-month suspension “unconstitutional and excessive.”
“The statement I made that day of me resuming on Tuesday was right immediately after the pronouncement of the court that my suspension was unconstitutional and excessive and that the people should not be deprived of representation,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan explained. She added that while the Senate holds the power to discipline its members, such actions should not inadvertently punish the constituents.
The Senator, who had expressed excitement about returning to work during jubilant discussions with supporters at her home, clarified that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s written judgment would ultimately guide her next steps. “But that being said, like I said, we anticipate the judgment, the written judgment is that factually copy and that will determine the next step. But I’m very positive,” she stated, indicating a measured approach.
Despite the ongoing procedural considerations, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted her continued efforts and achievements on behalf of her constituency, affirming her dedication to their welfare regardless of her physical presence in the chamber.
Senate Maintains Stance, Awaits Official Documents
The Senate leadership, meanwhile, continues to maintain its position that it will not take any official action on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return until it obtains and thoroughly reviews the CTC of the court’s pronouncement. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, previously stated that while their legal team was present in court, the full judgment was not read openly. The Senate has formally applied to obtain the CTC for a clear understanding of the ruling and any specific orders.
It’s important to note that the Federal High Court ruling, while nullifying her suspension, also fined Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan N5 million for contempt of court. This fine stemmed from a satirical Facebook post that Justice Binta Nyako determined breached an earlier interim injunction prohibiting public statements related to her lawsuit challenging the suspension. The court also ordered her to publish a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days, which, as of Monday evening, had not yet been fulfilled.
Majeed Dahiru Calls for Diplomatic Resolution
Responding to the evolving situation, renowned journalist and newspaper columnist Majeed Dahiru, speaking on AIT’s Kakaaki show, strongly advocated for a diplomatic and political solution to the dispute. Dahiru stressed the need for a “middle ground” to be found between the Senator and the Senate, emphasizing that a prolonged legal battle would ultimately be detrimental to both parties and, more critically, to the representation of the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Dahiru acknowledged that while the court’s pronouncement on the unconstitutionality of the suspension is clear, the aspect concerning the contempt fine and its implications is subject to “multiple interpretations.” He cautioned against immediate, uncoordinated action, noting that if the Senate decides to appeal the judgment, it could potentially lead to a stay of execution, prolonging Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s absence from the chamber, possibly for the entire tenure of the 9th and 10th Senate.
He differentiated between the sexual harassment allegations and the contempt charge, stating that the contempt fine was for violating a Senate rule regarding a court order, not for the sexual harassment claim itself. Dahiru suggested that fulfilling the court’s directive regarding the apology for violating the sitting arrangement would be a reasonable step, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan could continue to pursue her allegations of misconduct against the Senate President through appropriate channels, backed by evidence.
Dahiru underscored the critical importance of representation, highlighting that the Senator’s continued absence would mean the voice of her constituents would be missing in crucial legislative processes, such as constitutional amendments and the Electoral Act. “This has reduced the impact of her representation on the people, because in all of these critical legislations, the wishes of her people, which she was supposed to convey to make sure that it is reflected in these legislations, clearly did not happen,” he lamented.
He advised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to formally obtain the judgment copy, write to the Clerk of the Senate informing them of the ruling and her intention to resume, and await their official response. Dahiru concluded by reiterating the urgent need for a political solution, urging friends on both sides to activate diplomatic channels to resolve the impasse, ensuring the optimal representation of the people of Kogi Central.
