The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), urging her to respect due process and refrain from attempting to return to the National Assembly before the expiration of her suspension.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that no binding court order currently mandates the Senate to reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“The Senate wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.
His comments come in response to reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan plans to resume plenary duties next Tuesday, citing a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako.
However, Adaramodu explained that the judgment only offered a non-binding advisory, recommending the Senate consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which the court considered potentially excessive. He emphasized that the court did not find the Senate in breach of any law or constitutional provision in taking disciplinary action against her.
The Senate spokesperson also revealed that the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing a ₦5 million fine and ordering her to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page — directives which remain unfulfilled.
“Any attempt by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her seat under the guise of a misinterpreted judgment would be considered an affront to the Senate’s authority and due process,” Adaramodu warned.
He further stressed that the Senate will deliberate on the court’s advisory at the appropriate time and communicate its decision formally.
“Until then, she must stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” he concluded.
What You Should Know
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended, and despite a court judgment suggesting a review of her case, the Senate insists no enforceable order mandates her return. Her continued absence hinges on fulfilling contempt penalties and the Senate’s internal disciplinary process.
