Verdict on Natasha’s recall: We’re yet to be served – Senate
The Senate has said it is aware that judgement was delivered on July 4, 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), but that it is yet to be served the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgement. It could be recalled that the […]
The Senate has said it is aware that judgement was delivered on July 4, 2025 by the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the suit instituted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), but that it is yet to be served the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgement.
It could be recalled that the Senate had in March suspended Natasha for six months over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s sitting arrangement during plenary on February 20, 2025.
But the senator approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, to seek redress. Last Friday, the court ruled that the Senate acted beyond its powers by suspending Senator Natasha for six months, ordering her immediate recall to the Red Chamber.
Justice Binta Nyako, who delivered the judgment, described the duration of the suspension as “excessive” and without a clear legal foundation.
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The judge pointed out that since the National Assembly is only required to sit for 181 days in a legislative year, suspending a lawmaker for roughly that same length of time effectively silences the voice of an entire constituency—a move she described as unconstitutional.
But reacting, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South) in a statement on Sunday said, “The Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the said judgement. Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgement was not read in open court.
“Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgement, none can enforce any perceived order or relief. Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position.”