Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has explained why she did not resume her duties at the Senate on Tuesday, despite an earlier promise to do so.
According to the lawmaker, her return was delayed due to an outstanding directive from the court, which required her to publicly apologise in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
Last Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned her six-month suspension from the Senate, ruling it unlawful and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation. However, the court also imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for contempt, citing a Facebook post that allegedly breached a previous court order. As part of the ruling, she was instructed to tender a public apology—something that had not been done by Tuesday.
In a widely circulated video before the Senate’s resumption, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan told her supporters she would return to the Red Chamber on Tuesday, raising anticipation of a potentially tense session, especially as the Senate had yet to officially respond to the judgment, pending receipt of the Certified True Copy.
Complicating matters further, a letter surfaced online—allegedly from the Senate’s legal representative, Paul Daudu—advising Natasha’s legal team to delay her return until the formal court order was obtained. The letter, dated July 5, cautioned that her premature appearance could lead to disruption in the Senate.
However, Daudu has since disowned the letter, describing it as fake and denying any involvement.
Senator Natasha was initially suspended in March following a controversial session during which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
