The Nigerian Senate has strongly cautioned embattled Kogi lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against resuming legislative duties while still under official suspension.
This warning was issued by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, during a press briefing on Sunday. He stated clearly that no enforceable judicial directive exists which requires the Senate to immediately reinstate her.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 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 declared.
The development comes amid reports that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is planning to return to the National Assembly on Tuesday, allegedly in response to a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, Senator Adaramodu emphasized that the said court ruling only suggested that the Senate consider reviewing its rules and the length of suspension, describing it as an “advisory opinion,” not a binding mandate.
He clarified that the court did not overturn the Senate’s authority to discipline its members and had, in fact, acknowledged that the chamber acted within its constitutional bounds when it sanctioned Senator Natasha for conduct deemed inappropriate during plenary.
The Senate spokesperson also pointed out that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had been found in contempt of court in connection with a separate legal matter. The court imposed a ₦5 million fine and ordered her to publicly apologize in two national newspapers and on her verified Facebook page — directives she allegedly has yet to comply with.
“It is surprising and legally baseless that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite being under suspension and having appealed the judgment, is attempting to act on a non-existent court order,” said Adaramodu.
He further warned that any premature appearance by the senator at the National Assembly would be treated as a breach of legislative decorum and a disruption to Senate procedures.
“The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate the same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” the official statement concluded.