Senate: We can’t act on Natasha Akpoti’s suspension until court judgment is received

Yemi Adaramodu, the senate spokesperson, says the red chamber has not received the certified true copy (CTC) of the federal high court judgment delivered on July 4 in the suit filed by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Adaramodu said the senate cannot act on the ruling until it receives the full judgment.

“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Binta Nyako, judge of the federal high court, had, while affirming the senate’s powers to discipline its members, faulted the six-month suspension handed to Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as “overreaching” and one that effectively denied her constituents their right to representation.

The judge also imposed a N5 million fine on the Kogi senator for violating an earlier court order through a satirical Facebook post.

Reacting to the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a victory and announced her intention to resume duties in the red chamber on Tuesday.

But Adaramodu stressed that no enrolled order of the judgment has been served on any party, noting that “none can enforce any perceived order or relief”.

“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,” he added.

“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.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following the adoption of a report by the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions after an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.