Senator Natasha Wins Court Case, Senate Stalls on Reinstatement After Suspension
Abuja, Nigeria | July 6, 2025 – IDNN National Assembly Desk
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has secured a legal victory in her battle against a 6-month suspension imposed by the Nigerian Senate in March 2025. However, despite the court’s ruling declaring the action “unconstitutional, excessive, and disenfranchising,” the Senate has refused to immediately reinstate her.
Delivering judgement in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled that the suspension violated the constitutional rights of Kogi Central constituents to representation, effectively nullifying the Senate’s action.
“The court is not saying the Senate lacks disciplinary powers. However, such punishment must not infringe on citizens’ right to representation,” Nyako declared.
A Suspension Rooted in Scandal
Senator Natasha was suspended after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of power. The suspension was based on Senate Rule Chapter Eight and the Legislative Houses Powers & Privileges Act—both of which the court criticized as vague and overreaching.
Her suspension came with a full withdrawal of salaries, benefits, and security, and she was barred from National Assembly premises.
During her absence, Natasha petitioned the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), describing the suspension as gender-based victimization and “punishment for speaking out.”
Court Finds Her Guilty of Contempt
However, the court also found Natasha guilty of contempt over a satirical Facebook post she made in April 2025—a mock apology directed at Akpabio while the case was still in court.
As punishment, Justice Nyako imposed a ₦5 million fine and ordered her to publish a formal apology in two national dailies and on Facebook within seven days.
“You breached the interim gag order. Satirical or not, it violated the court’s instruction,” the judge ruled.
Senate: We’re Not Reinstating Her Yet
Despite the court’s nullification of the suspension, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said Natasha will not be reinstated until she completes her contempt restitution.
“The Senate retains its authority to discipline members. She must comply with the court’s directive before we can deliberate on her reinstatement,” he told reporters.
He added that reinstatement is not automatic and will be based on “Senate review of her apology.”
Atiku Applauds, PDP Split on Fallout
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commended the ruling and praised Natasha for “not sleeping on her rights.” He also hailed Justice Nyako’s courage in challenging legislative overreach.
But the PDP remains divided. Some fear the Senate may retaliate or undermine the court’s ruling by further delaying reinstatement.
Meanwhile, civil rights groups say the Senate’s refusal to reinstate Natasha immediately reflects institutional resistance to judicial oversight and gender equity.
IDNN VERDICT:
Natasha’s win is historic, but fragile. It exposes the uneasy dance between the judiciary and the legislature—and the uphill battle female politicians still face in Nigeria.
📡 Stay with IDNN Senate Watch as the Natasha reinstatement battle unfolds and the court-Senate standoff intensifies.