- Safiu Kehinde
The Senate has reacted to the Abuja Federal High Court’s judgement directing the Red Chamber to recall suspended Kogi lawmaker, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
NPO Reported that the court had in its ruling on Friday described the duration of Natasha’s suspension over gross misconduct as unduly excessive.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District was in March suspended for six months following her altercation with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over sitting arrangement during a plenary session.
Natasha had however announced plan to resume to the Senate on Tuesday while addressing his supporters at her constituency yesterday.
Sequel to the announcement, the Senate’s spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, acknowledged the court’s judgement calling for her recall.
However, Adaramodu in a statement issued yesterday stressed that the upper legislative chamber is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgment,” he said.
Adaramodu noted that the Senate’s legal team, present during the court session, confirmed that the full judgement was not read in open court.
He disclosed that the Senate has applied for the CTC in order to thoroughly examine the ruling and determine its next steps while noting that the red chamber will refrain from taking any further acton until the CTC is served and reviewed.
“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court.
“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.
“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.
“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,” he added.