Natasha Akpoti Says She’ll Return To Senate On Tuesday After Court Judgment On Her Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, says she will return to the Senate on Tuesday following a court ruling on her suspension.

KanyiDaily recalls that in March, the Senate suspended Natasha Akpoti for six months, accusing her of misconduct after a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The suspension came after the Senate adopted a report from its ethics and privileges committee.

Challenging the decision, the senator took the matter to the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to stop the suspension.

On Friday, Justice Binta Nyako ruled that while the Senate has the authority to discipline its members, including suspensions, the six-month penalty given to Akpoti-Uduaghan was too harsh and went beyond reasonable limits.

The judge pointed out that the law doesn’t clearly state how long a lawmaker can be suspended.

However, since senators are supposed to sit for at least 181 days in a year, taking Akpoti-Uduaghan out for six months left her almost entirely unable to perform her duties or represent the people who elected her.

Justice Nyako added that the Senate should review its decision and consider allowing the senator to return to her seat.

However, the court also fined Akpoti-Uduaghan N5 million for defying an earlier court order.

The fine was tied to a Facebook post she made, in which she shared a sarcastic apology directed at Senate President Akpabio.

Reacting to the judgment, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked her supporters and called the ruling a victory.

She confirmed she would resume her Senate duties on Tuesday.

“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.

KanyiDaily recalls that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was recently arranged on six new charges for allegedly defaming Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.