The Senate said it has not received a purported order by the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering it to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).
Spokesman of the Senate, Senator Yemi Adaramodu,who said this on Sunday acknowledged the verdict of the court
He,however, said that the Senate is yet to be served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of it.
He said:“Our legal representatives, who were in attendance at the proceedings, have confirmed that the complete judgment was not read in open court.
“Consequently, we have formally applied for the CTC to enable a thorough review and informed determination of the appropriate legal response, particularly in view of the uncertainty surrounding whether the court made any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Since no party to the case has been officially served the enrolled order of the judgement, none can enforce any perceived order or relief.
“Pending receipt and examination of the CTC, and acting on the advice of counsel, the Senate shall refrain from taking any steps that may prejudice its legal position.
“The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will act strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon full clarification of the court’s pronouncements.”
He urged the public to remain patient and assured of the Senate’s fidelity to due process.
Senator Natasha had been suspended by the Senator Godswill Akpabio led tenth Senate for disobeying the House Standing Order on seating arrangement.
Natasha accused the Senate President of making amorous advances at her at different times.
She also made other grievous accusations against other Senators including allegations of a cult-like followership behind the Senate President.
On Friday, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered the Nigerian Senate to reinstate the suspended Senator.
She held that a Senator can be sanctioned but not punishing an entire district, people who have not directly offended the Senate, adding that such action deprived the entire senatorial district of representation at the Senate.
Ruling on the contempt of court filed against the lawmaker by the counsel to the defendants following the satirical letter she published on her Facebook page, the judge ordered Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to pay five million Naira fine and to publish an apology letter in two national dailies and her Facebook page within seven days.
