The Nigerian Senate has affirmed that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains under suspension and was rightly barred from resuming legislative duties this week.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu defended the decision in a press statement, describing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to return to the Senate chamber as a “publicity stunt.”
He stressed that the Senate had not received any formal directive reversing her suspension and that security personnel acted under standing orders by denying her access.
“There is no formal communication from the courts mandating her reinstatement,” Adaramodu stated. “The Senate cannot act based on media interpretations or individual claims.”
Court Did Not Order Immediate Reinstatement – Legal Experts
While Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan cited a recent court judgment as the basis for her return to plenary, legal experts have clarified that the court did not issue a directive for her immediate reinstatement.
“The judgment only asked the Senate to review its rules. It never ordered her recall,” a legal analyst explained.
The ruling, according to legal observers, focused on procedural matters rather than directly overturning the suspension.
Natasha’s Attempt to Resume
Earlier this week, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly citing the judgment as legal backing to resume her legislative duties. However, in the absence of a formal resolution by the Senate acknowledging the ruling, her suspension remains in effect.
Suspension Stands
The Senate has maintained its position: until it officially acts on the court’s recommendation and issues a resolution, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended and is not permitted to participate in plenary sessions.
The situation continues to spark national debate, raising questions about legislative authority, judicial interpretation, and political power dynamics within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
