The Senate has set conditions for the recall of suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, after a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified her six-month suspension.
The court ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish an apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days and pay a fine of N5 million for contempt.
Justice Binta Nyako ruled that the Senate’s suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan was excessive and denied the people of Kogi Central effective representation in the National Assembly.
The Senate Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said the Red Chamber would not immediately recall Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that the court judgment did not override the Senate’s constitutional powers to discipline its members.
The Senate will only reconvene to deliberate on the matter after Akpoti-Uduaghan has complied with the court’s directives, including publishing an apology and paying the fine.
The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar commended Justice Nyako for lifting the suspension and praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for seeking redress in court.
The Senate’s counsel, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the Senate, particularly on the issue of civil contempt arising from social media posts made during the case.
