Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, says she will return to the Senate today, Tuesday following a court ruling that nullified her suspension from legislative duties.
The lawmaker made the announcement while addressing her followers.
A video shared online on Sunday captured the moment she said, “Good news! I’m resuming at the Senate on Tuesday. Thank you everyone for your love and support,” she said.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive and an infringement on the rights of her constituents.
The court ordered her immediate reinstatement and directed the Senate to pay her all outstanding entitlements.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March following a heated exchange with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The senator had accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a plenary row, an allegation that led to her being barred from the chamber for alleged misconduct.
In addition to ordering her reinstatement, the court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt over a satirical apology she posted on Facebook. Justice Binta Nyako directed her to pay a fine of N5 million and tender a fresh apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page.
Despite the court victory, the Senate has said it will only act on the reinstatement once Akpoti-Uduaghan complies fully with the contempt ruling.
The PDP lawmaker made history in 2023 as the first woman elected to represent Kogi Central in the Senate.