NIGERIA: Natasha Delays Senate Return Amid Apology Controversy

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, failed to return to the Senate on Tuesday despite a court ruling that nullified her six-month suspension.

She is also yet to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her social media platform, as ordered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Last Friday, the court ruled that her suspension was unconstitutional and excessive. It directed her immediate recall and imposed a N5 million fine for contempt over a Facebook post that violated a court order.

In a viral video shortly after the ruling, the senator told her supporters she would resume legislative duties on Tuesday. But the promise was not fulfilled.

Security was tightened at the National Assembly on Tuesday, with checks causing traffic gridlock around the Federal Secretariat. Authorities claimed it was routine, but many linked the action to Natasha’s planned return.

Speculation grew that the Senate may have warned her to stay away. A letter, allegedly from the Senate’s legal counsel, advised her lawyer, Jubrin Okutepa, to hold off pending the release of the court’s enrolled order.

The letter, dated July 5 and bearing the name of Senate counsel Paul Daudu, warned of unrest if Natasha attempted to resume without formal documentation.

Daudu has since denied authorship. In a Facebook post, he distanced himself from the letter, calling it fake and unauthorised. He also described Okutepa as his mentor and said the use of his firm’s name was a misrepresentation.

However, Akpoti had told African Independent Television on Monday that she would be waiting to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment to determine her next move.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March following a chaotic session in which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her suspension drew criticism from civil society groups.

The Senate has now begun moves to amend its internal rules. A bill sponsored by Senator Shehu Kaka seeks to clarify disciplinary procedures and timelines. It passed first reading on Tuesday.

The Senate is expected to receive the CTC of the court ruling on Wednesday, which may shape its next steps on the senator’s fate.