Senator Natasha Akpoti
Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Senate to recall Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, back to her legislative duties, describing her six-month suspension as “excessive.”
Justice Binta Nyako also awarded a fine of N5 million against Akpoti-Uduaghan for contempt of court.
The court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of posting a “Satirical Apology” message on her Facebook page on April 27, despite a valid court order. Justice Nyako said, “The defendant’s actions are a clear disregard for the authority of the court.”
The judge ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an unreserved apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days to purge herself of the contempt.
“The apology must be unconditional and unreserved,” Justice Nyako emphasized.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had dragged the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and others to court, seeking an order to stop them from sanctioning her over alleged misconduct.
However, the court ultimately ruled in favor of her recall and fined her for contempt.
The court’s decision has brought an end to the controversy surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, and she is expected to resume her legislative duties forthwith.
