Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has announced that she will resume her legislative duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday. This follows a landmark court ruling that nullified her suspension from the Senate and ordered her immediate reinstatement.
The prominent lawmaker, who also serves as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, expressed deep gratitude to her supporters and constituents in a heartfelt video message that quickly went viral across various social media platforms.
“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,” Natasha Akpoti stated, her voice filled with relief and determination.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, under the leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, delivered the decisive judgment last Friday. The court ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by her colleagues was excessive, unconstitutional, and violated not only her rights but also the rights of her constituents to be duly represented in the Senate.
Justice Nyako ordered that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be reinstated immediately and declared her suspension null and void. However, the court also imposed a N5 million fine on the senator for contempt of court. This fine was linked to a Facebook post she published, which the court determined had breached an earlier injunction restricting all parties involved from making public statements or comments on social media about the ongoing legal proceedings.
The controversy surrounding Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan began in March, following a dramatic and heated plenary session. During that session, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a serious allegation that sparked widespread outrage and intense political debates. The Senate leadership quickly suspended her for six months, citing her conduct as being in violation of the chamber’s rules and decorum.
This suspension led to a major legal battle, with Natasha challenging the Senate's decision in court. Her victory has been celebrated by her supporters as a triumph for justice, democracy, and constitutional rights. They argue that her reinstatement symbolizes the resilience of democratic institutions and the importance of upholding lawmakers' rights to represent their people without undue interference.
On the other hand, critics have continued to argue that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions during the saga were reckless and undermined the integrity and decorum of the Senate. They maintain that her return to the Red Chamber could reignite tensions among lawmakers and lead to further confrontations on the Senate floor.
Despite the mixed reactions, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains resolute and is set to officially resume her role at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday. Her return is expected to generate significant attention both within and outside the legislative chambers, as observers closely monitor how her presence might influence the political atmosphere in the coming weeks.
The senator’s supporters, meanwhile, continue to celebrate the court ruling, describing it as a significant victory for truth and accountability, and expressing hope that it will strengthen her resolve to continue fighting for the rights of her constituents and Nigerian women at large.
She is expected to make a formal appearance on the Senate floor on Tuesday, where she will resume her legislative responsibilities and continue advocating on behalf of Kogi Central and the wider Nigerian populace.