Tension is mounting at the National Assembly as the Senate leadership may be heading for a face-off with the suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, following her declaration to attend plenary on Tuesday.
Despite her announcement, the upper chamber is reportedly preparing for a possible standoff, maintaining that no official action will be taken until it obtains and thoroughly reviews the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent court judgment.
In a viral video shared on social media, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed her cheering supporters of her intention to return to legislative duties on Tuesday. She also expressed appreciation to her constituents for their unwavering support, following a favourable court ruling affirming her seat in the Senate.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, voided the six-month suspension earlier imposed on the senator. The court described the suspension as excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of the rights of her constituents, ordering her immediate reinstatement.
However, the court also fined Akpoti-Uduaghan N5 million for contempt, citing a Facebook post that allegedly breached an interim injunction issued on March 4, 2025. The satirical post, which was directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was deemed to have violated the order barring all parties from making public statements regarding the case.
Despite her declaration to resume legislative activities, the Senate has insisted it will not act until it receives and reviews the court’s certified judgment.
