Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has postponed her much-anticipated return to the Senate despite a Federal High Court ruling last Friday declaring her six‑month suspension excessive and unconstitutional . The court not only overturned the suspension but also ordered her reinstatement and imposed a ₦5 million fine for contempt following a satirical apology she posted online .
Although she had previously assured supporters, via a viral video, of her return on Tuesday, the senator has since delayed her reappearance. She explained that she’s awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment and acted on counsel’s advice, choosing to respect procedural formalities before stepping back into the chamber .
Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has remained cautious. Until it receives and reviews the official court documentation, it won’t take formal steps to reinstate her . Their legal team has insisted that while the court criticized the suspension, the judgement doesn’t mandate an immediate end to it until the enrolled copy is issued and assessed .
Further tension emerged over speculation that the Senate might have cautioned Natasha. A letter, purportedly from Senate counsel Paul Daudu, dated July 5, warned her against prematurely returning. Daudu, however, has publicly denied its authenticity, stating the letter was fake and unsigned ⎯ mistakenly attributed to him ⎯ clarifying that he did not advise such measures .
Beyond the legal and procedural wrangling, the situation highlights deeper political dynamics. Natasha’s suspension back in March followed heated accusations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, sparking backlash from civil society groups. Her subsequent court challenge framed the suspension as an attack on her constituents’ representation . In response to the court’s ruling, the Senate has proposed internal reforms to disciplinary procedures—introducing clearer timelines and guidelines for sanctions—aiming to prevent future stalemates .
As of now, Natasha remains out of the chamber, honoring legal counsel’s guidance and awaiting formal documentation. The Senate, in turn, is holding back until it reviews the judgment’s official copy. A possible tense face‑off looms—but for now, the return remains on hold.
