Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced her plan to return to the Senate by Tuesday, after a court ruled that her six-month suspension was excessive.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspension was imposed on March 6 over alleged gross misconduct following an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case, upheld the Senate’s power to suspend erring members but ruled that the six-month suspension was “overreaching” and “excessive.” The judge noted that the duration would deny Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents their right to representation.
“A senator is expected to represent her people… The senate ‘can and should’ reconsider recalling the plaintiff back to office,” Nyako said, also ordering Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay a N5 million fine for violating a court order.
Reacting to the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “I thank you for your support. I am glad we are victorious today. We shall resume in the Senate on Tuesday by the grace of God.”
