Senator Natasha Akpoti
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Senate has acknowledged the court judgment on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, but said it is yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
Recalled that the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the Senate to recall Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, back for her legislative duties, describing her six-month suspension as “excessive.”
Justice Binta Nyako, in a judgment, also awarded a fine of N5 million against the Akpoti-Uduaghan for her “Satirical Apology” message which she posted on her Facebook page on April 27 in disobedience of the valid order of the court
Senator Adaramodu in his reaction said the CTC is necessary for a thorough review and informed determination of the next course of action.
Adaramodu said, “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges that judgment was delivered on July 4th by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. However, the Senate is yet to be served with the certified true copy (CTC) of the said judgment.”
He added that the Senate will refrain from taking any step that might prejudice its legal position regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension until the CTC is received and examined.
Adaramodu expressed the Senate’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, stressing that it will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements.
“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any step that may prejudice its legal position,” he said.
The Senate has urged the public to remain patient, assuring of its fidelity to due process as it awaits the CTC of the court ruling to determine the next course of action.
“We will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements,” Adaramodu said.
