Abuja: The Senate on Sunday acknowledged the court judgment concerning Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan but noted it has not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stated this in a statement in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adaramodu emphasized that the CTC of the judgment is crucial for a comprehensive review and an informed determination of the Senate’s subsequent actions. He mentioned that until the CTC is received, the Senate would refrain from any action that might compromise its legal stance regarding Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.
He clarified that while the judgment was delivered on July 4th by the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Senate has not been served with the CTC of the judgment. Legal representatives present at the proceedings confirmed that the complete judgment was not publicly read in court. Consequently, the Senate has formally requested the CTC to properly assess the legal implications, particularly regarding any direct order nullifying the suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Adaramodu further stated that since no party involved in the case has officially received the enrolled order of the judgment, enforcement of any perceived order or relief is not possible. He reiterated that the Senate would not take any steps that might prejudice its legal position until the CTC is reviewed and legal counsel is consulted.
He also expressed the Senate’s dedication to upholding the rule of law, highlighting that actions will be taken in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria once the court’s pronouncements are fully clarified. Adaramodu urged the public to remain patient, assuring that the Senate remains committed to due process as it awaits the CTC of the court ruling to decide on the next course of action.