‘No action without full judgment’ – Senate insists on Akpoti-Uduaghan case

The Senate has said it will not take action on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan until it receives the certified true copy (CTC) of the federal high court judgment delivered on July 4.

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, in a statement on Sunday, said the complete judgment was not read in open court, according to legal representatives present at the proceedings.

“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,” he said.

Justice Binta Nyako had ruled that although the Senate holds the power to discipline its members, the six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan was “overreaching” and denied her constituents proper representation.

The court also fined the senator N5 million for violating an earlier order through a satirical Facebook post. Reacting, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the ruling as a victory and said she would resume duties in the Senate on Tuesday.

However, Adaramodu warned that no party has been served the enrolled order and that no enforcement of any “perceived order or relief” should take place.

“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,” he added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after the Senate adopted a report from its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, following a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.