Following the landmark judgement delivered against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Good Governance, have hailed it as a victory for Judicial dignity, legislative decorum and national sanity.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt for a satirical Facebook post dated April 27 2025, which the court deemed to be in direct violation of an earlier order restraining all parties from making public comments on the suspension issue and awarded a fine of 5 million naira against her.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Abuja immediately after the judgment by Comrade Taiwo Adeniran on behalf of the Coalition, the groups expressed satisfaction with the judgment which came with clear sanctions, describing it as a timely reminder that nobody is above the law
“We wish to commend the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, under the firm and impartial leadership of Justice Binta Nyako, for once again upholding the sacred duties of the Nigerian judiciary with courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
“The judgment delivered today, finding Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposing clear sanctions, including a public apology and a fine of ₦5 million is a timely reminder that no one is above the law and that democratic institutions must never be hijacked by arrogance, rascality, or personal drama masquerading as public service.
“Again, this ruling is not just a legal decision; it is a bold proof of judicial integrity and institutional dignity. It reinforces the principle that lawmakers must be the first to obey the law, and that the sanctity of legislative institutions must not be soiled by the uncivil conduct of individuals who lack the discipline or character to carry the weight of public trust”, the release stated.
The release further chided Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her reckless utterances and posturing which had turned a serious legislative matter to a circus of sensationalism
“What we have witnessed over the past weeks has been a shameful distraction, a reckless spectacle that has turned a legislative matter into a circus of sensationalism, devoid of patriotism or value to nation-building. Rather than engage constructively, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her co-travelers chose instead to weaponize reasonable internal disciplinary proceedings, distort facts, incite the public, and falsely wave the banner of gender intimidation.
“Let it be clear that today’s judgment vindicates due process, reinforces the credibility of the National Assembly’s rules of proceedings, and exposes the false narrative of gender persecution for what it truly is, a smokescreen for unacceptable behaviour.
“The real embarrassment is not her suspension. The national embarrassment is the uncultured, confrontational, and unrepentant attitude of a sitting senator who sees nothing wrong in ridiculing the Senate, defying court orders, and dressing personal misconduct in the garments of activism. That is not feminism. That is not courage. That is reckless misrepresentation of what women in leadership truly stand for.
“Indeed, this unfortunate episode has undermined the Federal Government’s sincere efforts to increase women’s participation in governance. It has weaponized gender identity as a tool of manipulation, rather than inspiration, thereby hurting the very progress she claims to champion.
“Even worse, the constituents and communities of Kogi Central, the very people she claims to representhave had to watch in dismay as the image of their mandate is dragged through mud on the national stage. Character, not just competence, is vital in leadership”, the statement added.
The statement concluded by calling on Nigerians “especially women and youth, not to fall for the manipulative, self-serving scripts being orchestrated by Senator Natasha and those shielding her misconduct under the veil of false victimhood as this is no longer about suspension or reinstatement. It is about restoring order, decency, and values to our democratic institutions.
“Let us never allow political opportunists to destroy what generations have built, simply because they cannot separate attention-seeking from service. Let this judgment stand as a lesson and a legacy: that our courts remain the temple of justice, and no one, regardless of position or popularity can desecrate that temple and walk away untouched”.
