Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has applauded Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja for overturning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the ruling as courageous and timely.
In a post shared on his verified social media handle, Atiku also hailed Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, for taking a bold stand in challenging what he described as an “obnoxious” suspension imposed on her by the Nigerian Senate.
“I commend Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for the courage in lifting the obnoxious suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central),” Atiku wrote.
He went on to praise the senator for refusing to be silent in the face of what he considers injustice, especially in a legislative environment where women are already underrepresented and often marginalised.
“I also hail Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan for challenging the illegality of her suspension by not sleeping on her rights in a chamber where women are already vulnerable,” he added. “There’s no price that is too great in asserting one’s rights.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended from the Senate for six months, a decision the court later ruled as excessive and unfair to her constituents. The judgement delivered by Justice Nyako declared the suspension null and void, ordering her immediate reinstatement.
The court also imposed a N5 million fine on the senator for disobeying an earlier gag order but emphasised that the Senate’s disciplinary action could not infringe on the rights of the people who elected her.