Senate Says It Cannot Recall Natasha Yet Over Pending Court Judgment Document

The Senate has said it cannot immediately reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following a court ruling that ordered her recall.

The decision, according to the Senate, hinges on the need to first obtain and review the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who serves as the Senate spokesperson and chairs the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, explained the situation during an interview in Abuja. He said the Senate had applied for the official court document last Monday and would wait to examine its content before taking any further steps.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6 for six months after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her suspension came after the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen, recommended disciplinary action. Following the suspension, she lost access to the National Assembly complex, her salary, and security privileges.

In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached a Federal High Court in Abuja. The court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled that the Senate must recall her. However, the same ruling also fined her N5 million for contempt of court.

Despite the court’s directive, the Senate insists it must first assess the full content of the ruling. Adaramodu stated that the chamber has not ignored the judgment but must operate within legal and procedural boundaries. He stressed that the Senate would comply with the ruling once due process has been followed.

He expressed concern that public reactions were being shaped by a misunderstanding of how the Senate operates. He explained that the legislature, like any institution, must follow internal rules to maintain order and function effectively. He said the Senate’s Standing Orders are designed to guide conduct and ensure discipline among members.

The Senate, he argued, retains the authority to discipline members who break internal rules, including imposing suspensions. The length of a suspension, he added, is at the chamber’s discretion, especially in cases where no specific timeline is outlined.

Adaramodu also clarified that the 180-day suspension given to Akpoti-Uduaghan includes both parliamentary and non-parliamentary days, meaning it may last longer in calendar terms due to the Senate’s sitting schedule.

He said critics calling for her immediate recall may not fully grasp the workings of the legislature. According to him, only those familiar with parliamentary procedure can appreciate the processes involved in such decisions. For now, the Senate says it is waiting for the court document before moving forward with any action.