By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Senate has reacted to the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the six-month suspension of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
While the court ordered that she be recalled, the Senate said it will not act on the directive until she fulfills certain conditions.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu explained that the decision rests on the senator’s response to the court’s directives
Only after she complies with these conditions will the Senate meet to review her case and decide on the next step.
According to the Senate, the judgment did not take away its constitutional authority to discipline its members.
It stated that although the court questioned the length of the suspension, it confirmed that the Senate still had the power to sanction any senator who acts against its rules.
The Senate declared that Akpoti-Uduaghan must first obey the part of the court’s ruling that found her guilty of contempt.
This includes publishing a formal apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, as well as paying a fine of N5 million.
Only after she complies with these conditions will the Senate meet to review her case and decide on the next step.
Adaramodu added that once she meets the requirements, the Senate will consider the matter afresh.
