The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, cautioning her against returning to plenary before her six-month suspension expires or is lawfully overturned by the courts.
This development was confirmed in a statement released on Sunday, July 21, by the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, who emphasized that there is “no enforceable order” compelling the Senate to lift the suspension.
He added that any attempt by the Kogi Central senator to resume duties on Tuesday, July 22, would be viewed as a violation of legislative due process and a threat to the integrity of the Senate.
“The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” Adaramodu said.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following what the Senate described as “unruly and disruptive conduct” during a dispute over her sitting arrangement on the floor.
She had also previously accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual misconduct, a claim Akpabio has denied.
The Senate, through its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, found her guilty of breaching Standing Orders by speaking out of turn, refusing to occupy her designated seat, and exhibiting behavior deemed unbecoming of a senator.
Court Ruling and Legal Tussle
On July 4, the Federal High Court ruled that her suspension was “excessive.” Relying on this, Akpoti-Uduaghan announced her intention to resume legislative duties, stating during a constituency event:
“I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God.”
She emphasized that despite her suspension, she has continued to fulfill her representational responsibilities, including securing community projects in the federal budget.
However, Adaramodu insisted that the Senate is not bound by the judgment, particularly since Senate President Akpabio has filed a notice of appeal, challenging the court’s decision on 11 grounds.
“It is legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist,” he added.
Senate Urges Patience
The Senate maintains that it will “at the appropriate time” review the court’s ruling regarding possible amendments to its Standing Orders and communicate its final decision to the senator. Until then, she has been “respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”
