The Senate has acknowledged the July 4 judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja regarding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but said it will not take any action until it receives the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the Senate’s legal team was present in court but noted that the full judgment was not read in open session.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on July 4th by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate has yet to be served with the certified true copy (CTC) of the said judgment,” Adaramodu said.
He noted that the legal representatives have applied for the CTC and a thorough review will be conducted once it is obtained to determine the Senate’s next steps.
“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,” the statement added.
The Senate emphasized that no party to the case has been officially served with the enrolled order of the judgment and, as such, no enforcement of the ruling can proceed until the court’s directive is formally issued.
“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any step that may prejudice its legal position,” Adaramodu stated.
He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to due process and constitutional provisions, urging the public to remain patient.
Meanwhile, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has said she will return to the Senate on Tuesday following the court judgment. In a video shared on social media, she thanked her supporters and described the ruling as a victory.
“I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God,” she said
The Federal High Court judgment nullified her suspension and ordered her reinstatement, declaring the disciplinary action taken by the Senate as excessive and unconstitutional. Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case, also imposed a fine of ₦5 million on Akpoti-Uduaghan for contempt, citing a Facebook post that violated a March 4 interim injunction which barred public commentary on the case.
While Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team argued that the post related to a separate personal matter, the court ruled that it was connected to the ongoing proceedings.
The judge concluded that the suspension lacked constitutional backing and deprived the people of Kogi Central of proper representation. Justice Nyako also highlighted the need for the Senate to revise its disciplinary processes to reflect democratic standards and protect elected officials’ rights.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March after a dispute in the chamber and subsequent allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
