Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has stated it will not act on the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until it receives the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension.
Justice Binta Nyako had, on July 4, declared the suspension unconstitutional and ordered her immediate return to legislative duties, citing the violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
Reacting to the development, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu stressed that while the upper chamber respects the court’s decision, it must formally receive and review the certified ruling before taking any legislative action.
“We are a law-abiding institution. We will adhere to the judgment only when we’ve reviewed its CTC. The Senate remains committed to both the rule of law and internal due process,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has condemned calls for protest over Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement. During a press briefing in Abuja, NCSCN Executive Director Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu urged calm among civil society organizations, emphasizing that due legal processes must be respected.
In a related ruling, the Federal High Court also reaffirmed the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members, but fined the legislative body ₦5 million for contempt and ordered the lawmaker to issue a public apology within seven days.
As both the legislative and civil sectors navigate the implications of the judgment, the case underscores ongoing tensions between judicial oversight and legislative autonomy in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Stay with NewsHouz for continued updates on this developing story.
