Why The Senate Says ‘Not Yet’ To Natasha’s Comeback – Full Details Inside

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed on Sunday that the Senate is waiting to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Federal High Court judgment directing the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before taking any official steps.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate cannot base its actions on media reports or hearsay, but must examine the court’s ruling thoroughly before responding.

He said, “The Senate applied for the CTC last Monday. We anticipate receiving the document, and once it’s in our possession, we will act in accordance with the court’s directive.”

He noted that the Senate will deliberate on the content of the judgment once received, adding, “We’ll determine our course of action after reviewing its details.”

It’s worth recalling that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months on March 6 after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. Her suspension was based on a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, led by Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South).

Following the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan was banned from the National Assembly, denied her salary, and had her security withdrawn. She challenged the decision in court, and Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, recently ordered the Senate to reinstate her. However, the judge also found her in contempt of court and imposed a ₦5 million fine.

Addressing the situation, Adaramodu criticized public misinterpretation of legislative processes.

“The Senate is constitutionally empowered to establish and enforce its own rules. Without these internal regulations, the institution would descend into chaos,” he said.

He argued that those criticizing the Senate’s disciplinary actions are essentially advocating for disorder within the legislature.

“It seems some people believe any member can break rules without consequence and that the Senate must remain silent. That’s simply unacceptable,” he added.

Referring to the Senate’s Standing Orders, Adaramodu affirmed that the chamber has the authority to sanction members who breach its rules.

“If the Senate determines a member has acted improperly, it reserves the right to issue an appropriate suspension,” he stated.

He also clarified that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 180-day suspension covers both legislative and non-legislative days, explaining, “The rules require that the suspension span 180 parliamentary days.”

Concluding, Adaramodu urged the public to respect the independence and internal mechanisms of the legislature.

“Only those within the legislature can fully grasp its workings,” he said, reaffirming the Senate’s legal mandate to govern its internal affairs.