Senate Holds Off Reinstating Natasha Akpoti, Awaits Official CTC

Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s anticipated return to the Senate is on hold as the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court order has yet to reach the Senate.

On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the Senate’s six-month suspension of the Kogi‑Central lawmaker unconstitutional and excessive. Justice Binta Nyako advised her immediate reinstatement and imposed a ₦5 million fine for contempt over a Facebook post.

Earlier this week, in a viral video, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan said she would “resume in the Senate on Tuesday,” appearing confident and triumphant.

But on Tuesday, she did not show up. Instead, her office clarified that while she remains ready to return, she will only do so after the Senate receives and reviews the official CTC.

Senate spokesperson Sen. Yemi Adaramodu told NAN that the Senate lodged a formal request for the CTC “since Monday.” He stressed that no action, including reinstatement, can legally proceed until the complete judgment is officially examined.

Adaramodu emphasized that the red chamber is governed by Standing Orders and must ensure procedural compliance: “We must look at the contents, then take a position.” He noted that some critics misunderstand this process as bureaucratic obstruction.

The Senate expects to receive the CTC by Tuesday evening, according to insider reports. Once received, it must be formally considered in a plenary session, after which the Senate can determine how and when to recall her.

In the meantime, Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan is pursuing an appeal against the ₦5 million contempt fine, and also petitioning the chamber formally, urging immediate reinstatement as the July 15 deadline for appeal looms.

This disagreement over the court’s verdict, has caused a procedural pause until the Senate can properly receive, review, and implement the judgment. For Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan and her constituents, the vacuum of representation continues to linger in the Senate.