The National Assembly has clarified that the recent Federal High Court judgment involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan did not contain any binding order requiring her immediate reinstatement to the Senate.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to her counsel Michael Numa, the Clerk to the National Assembly, through its Director of Litigation and Counselling, Charles Yoila, stated that the July 4 judgment by Justice Binta Nyako was merely advisory in nature and not legally enforceable.
“From our summary of the judgment order, there is no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025, by Hon. Justice B.F.N. Nyako for the Senate, President of the Senate or National Assembly to comply with,” the letter reads.
“The declaratory judgment merely advised the Defendants to exercise their power to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume representing the people who sent her to represent them.”
Background: Suspension and Legal Challenge
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended for six months by the Senate following a public dispute involving allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In response, she challenged her suspension in court, and on July 4, 2025, Justice Nyako ruled that the suspension infringed on the rights of her constituents to be represented. However, the court stopped short of compelling the Senate to lift the suspension.
Court Also Sanctioned Natasha for Contempt
In a twist, the judge found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of civil contempt over a satirical social media post deemed disrespectful to the court. She was fined N5 million and ordered to apologize publicly in two national dailies and on her Facebook page within seven days. The senator has since filed an appeal challenging that aspect of the judgment.
Clerk Responds to Resumption Notice
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team had earlier written to notify the National Assembly of her intent to resume legislative duties and urged the Senate to act in line with the judgment to avoid being in contempt of court.
But the National Assembly insists no mandatory order was issued, echoing the position of Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, who also stated that the certified true copy of the judgment did not grant any injunctive or declaratory relief for reinstatement.
Akpabio Files Cross-Appeal
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a cross-appeal at the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn Justice Nyako’s ruling.
In a filing dated July 11, Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction over the internal affairs of the Senate and that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suit was premature as she had not exhausted Senate disciplinary resolution channels.
Legal Experts: Case Highlights Power Tussle
Legal observers have weighed in on the case, noting that it underscores the delicate balance between judicial oversight and parliamentary autonomy.
While the court can interpret the constitutional rights of elected representatives, it often refrains from issuing orders that may infringe on the internal rules and privileges of the legislative arm.
As both parties await direction from the Court of Appeal, the legal tug-of-war over the suspension and reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains ongoing.
