The Senate has reacted to a Federal High Court judgment nullifying the six-month suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, giving conditions for her reinstatement. According to Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, Akpoti-Uduaghan must first comply with the court’s directives, including publishing an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page, and paying a fine of N5m for contempt.
Adaramodu stated that the Senate would not immediately reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying that the court judgment did not override the Senate’s constitutional powers to discipline its members. “The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator,” he said. The Senate will reconvene to deliberate on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case after she has complied with the court’s directives.
Senate counsel Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the Senate, particularly on the issue of civil contempt. Dauda noted that the court affirmed the Senate’s authority to discipline its members and did not order Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement, but rather suggested that the Senate could consider recalling her. The Senate will consult with its colleagues and respond accordingly after reading the full judgment.