Court Orders Senate To Recall Senator Natasha
•••Imposes N5m Fine On Her
•By Admin
ABUJA -A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by
Justice Binta Nyako, on Friday, ordered the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senate to recall the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice Nyako made the order while delivering judgment in the suit filed by the embattled senator, challenging her six months suspension by the Senate.
The trial judge contended that the suspension of the Kogi State Senator, was at variance with constitutional provisions, and consequently nullified same.
Justice Nyako held that Natasha’s suspension for six months was in clear breach of the Constitution and also denied her constituents of adequate representation in the National Assembly.
Though, the court noted that the National Assembly has powers to discipline any erring member, it said such punitive measure should not be too excessive to the extent of depriving constituents of representation.
According to the judge, the six months suspension was excessive because it exceeded the 180 days the Senate is expected to sit.
However, the court found Natasha guilty of contempt of court and subsequently fined her the sum of N5 million.
In addition, the court ordered her to tender a public apology to the court in two national dailies as well as on her Facebook account.
•INDEPENDENTNG.