By Austin Ogwuda
…. Senate leadership says the coast not clear yet
There is growing anxiety following the pronouncement of the Federal High Court Abuja ordering the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan forthwith from the six months suspension it slammed on her since March.
Basking from the euphoria of the judgment, embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly had told her jubilant supporters in a video trending on social media that she would resume her legislative activities tomorrow (Tuesday).
Her words, “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”.
However, discordant tune is coming from the leadership of the Senate as its Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu told the press that her resumption is not automatic.
According to him, “It was established that the Senator in question erred. The court has already told her to go and do some things, like restitution, so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution, and that will inform our next line of action.
“The onus is no more on us (Senate) now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter.
“The first reaction now will not be from us, the court has ruled, so once she takes the step to redress and does what the court has directed her to do, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court”, the Senate Spokesperson added.
Justice Binta Fatima Nyako of the Federal High court, Abuja had last Friday, ordered the Senate to reinstate her forthwith, allowing her to resume her duties as Senator representing Kogi Central, pointing out that the suspension violated the Constitution and denied her constituents adequate representation.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for allegedly violating the Senate Standing Rules.
Her suspension came after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of alleged sexual harassment.
The question now, is: Who among Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Nigerian Senate to blink first?
The Townhall, will keep our esteemed readers posted as expected dramatic scenarios unfold.
