The Nigerian Senate has made it clear that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will not be reinstated until she complies fully with a recent court ruling — including offering a public apology.

This comes after a Federal High Court delivered a mixed judgment on the controversial six-month suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central. The court found that although the Senate indeed has the power to discipline its members, such actions must not deprive citizens of their right to representation in the National Assembly. Justice Nyako ruled that the suspension, which was nearly as long as the entire legislative year, effectively sidelined her constituents from national governance.

However, the court also held Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt. It found that a satirical post she made on Facebook, mocking the situation, amounted to contempt of court. As a result, she was ordered to publish a genuine apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page within seven days, and pay a fine of N5 million.

Speaking on the issue, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stressed that the ball is now in Natasha’s court. According to him, the Senate will only revisit her case after she has fully complied with the court’s directives.

“The onus is on her now,” Adaramodu said. “Once she does what the court has directed, the Senate will reconvene to examine her apology and decide the next step.”

The Senate’s counsel, Paul Dauda (SAN), described the ruling as a partial victory. He pointed out that the court affirmed the Senate’s right to discipline members, and also granted their request that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s mocking post be taken down.

Meanwhile, the underlying issue that sparked this drama remains tense. Natasha had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation he strongly denied. This clash eventually led to her suspension for what the Senate termed “gross misconduct.”

For now, all eyes are on Natasha. Whether she chooses to apologise sincerely as ordered by the court will determine if her return to the Senate floor is sooner or later.