The Senator for Ekiti South in the 10th National Assembly has stated that the Senate has yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court’s ruling reinstating the suspended Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement released on Sunday, Adaramodu noted that the Senate has formally requested the CTC to facilitate a proper review of Justice Binta Nyako’s judgment delivered on Friday. This ruling annulled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, citing a breach of her constituents’ rights to representation.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Adaramodu emphasised the need for clarification of the court’s decision before the Senate takes any action. The statement read, “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 instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate has not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.”
“Our legal representatives, who attended the proceedings, confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court. Therefore, we have formally requested the CTC to ensure an informed examination of the appropriate legal response, especially given the ambiguity surrounding any direct order to nullify Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.”
Adaramodu pointed out that until the enrolled order of the judgment is officially served to any party involved, no one can act on any perceived order or relief. The Senate will adhere strictly to constitutional provisions once the ruling is thoroughly examined.
Justice Nyako described the suspension as excessive and unjustified, asserting that it contravened both the constitution and the Senate Standing Rules, which do not specify a maximum duration for punitive actions. “It is the constituents who suffer when their elected representative is suspended for such a prolonged period,” she stated. The court also dismissed Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s argument that the matter was an internal legislative issue, asserting that the judiciary can intervene when fundamental rights and representative duties are at stake.
However, the judge upheld Akpabio’s procedural decision to deny Senator Natasha the floor after she failed to occupy her designated seat and found her guilty of contempt for disregarding an interim order, imposing a fine of N5 million and ordering her to publicly apologise in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days.