There is growing tension in the Senate as suspended lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to attend today’s plenary session, setting the stage for a potential clash with the chamber’s leadership.
The Senator representing Kogi Central made the announcement in a video shared on social media, thanking her supporters and expressing confidence in her return, following a favourable court ruling.
“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.
Her return comes days after a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified her six-month suspension, calling it “excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of the rights of her constituents.” The court also ordered the Senate to reinstate her.
However, the Senate is adopting a wait-and-see approach. In a statement on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said the chamber will take no action until it receives and reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s decision.
“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,” Adaramodu said.
While the court ruled in her favour on the suspension, Justice Binta Nyako also found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt for a Facebook post in which she issued a satirical apology to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The judge ruled that the post violated a gag order issued on March 4, which prohibited public commentary on the ongoing legal proceedings.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was fined ₦5 million and ordered to publish a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days. As of Monday evening, she had yet to comply with this directive.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March following a heated Senate session during which she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
Her suspension sparked backlash from civil society organizations and rights advocates, who viewed it as an attempt to silence a dissenting voice.
She later challenged the Senate in court, claiming the suspension was politically motivated and aimed at disenfranchising her constituents.
The Senate, while acknowledging the court’s ruling, insists it needs to study the official document before making any formal decision on her reinstatement.
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