Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced plans to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, following a court ruling that nullified her suspension from the Senate.
The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, expressed gratitude to her supporters in a video message that has since gone viral on social media.
"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," Natasha Akpoti said.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled last Friday that the six-month suspension handed to the senator was excessive, unconstitutional, and infringed upon the rights of her constituents to representation.
Justice Nyako ordered Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's immediate reinstatement but also imposed a N5 million fine on the senator for contempt of court.
The penalty was linked to a Facebook post Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made, which the court ruled had violated an earlier injunction restricting all parties from making public statements or social media posts concerning the matter.
The controversy began in March when Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate following a heated plenary session, during which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment.
The allegation sparked political tensions and led to the legal dispute over her suspension.
Despite the court victory, the lawmaker's return to the Red Chamber is expected to stir fresh debates, as political observers watch to see how her reinstatement may impact ongoing tensions within the Senate.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's supporters have hailed the court ruling as a triumph for justice and democracy, while her critics argue that her actions during the saga undermined Senate decorum.
She is expected to formally resume her role at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday.
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