The Senator for Ekiti South in the 10th National Assembly has confirmed that the Senate is still awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court’s ruling that reinstated Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had been suspended.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Adaramodu explained that the Senate has officially requested the CTC to ensure a comprehensive review of Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling delivered on Friday, which nullified Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension on the grounds of infringing her constituents’ rights to representation.
As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Adaramodu stated that a complete understanding of the court’s decision is essential before any Senate action is taken. The statement highlighted, “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on 4th July 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit initiated by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, we are yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.”
“Our legal team present during the proceedings confirmed that the entire judgment was not read in open court. Thus, we have submitted a formal request for the CTC to facilitate an in-depth review and informed decision regarding the appropriate legal response, especially considering the uncertainties about whether the court issued a direct order to nullify Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.”
Adaramodu reiterated that until the enrolled order of the judgment is officially served, no party can act on any perceived order or relief. The Senate is committed to acting in accordance with constitutional provisions once the judgment is fully reviewed.
Justice Nyako ruled that the suspension was excessive and unjustified, stating it violated both the constitution and the Senate Standing Rules, which lack a defined maximum duration for punitive measures. “It is the constituents who suffer when their elected representative is suspended for such a prolonged period,” she asserted. The court also rejected Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s claim that the case was an internal legislative matter, confirming that judicial intervention is warranted when fundamental rights and representation are at stake.
Nonetheless, the judge upheld Akpabio’s decision to deny Senator Natasha the floor after she did not sit in her designated seat and found her guilty of contempt for disobeying an interim order, imposing a fine of N5 million and ordering her to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.
