Akpabio Denies Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Claim of Court Order Mandating Her Senate Reinstatement
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly denied the claims made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she had obtained a court order permitting her return to the Senate.
Speaking through his media aide, Kenny Okolugbo, Akpabio described Natasha’s return to the National Assembly on July 22, 2025, as political theatrics staged for media attention. He said neither the leadership of the Senate nor the Clerk of the National Assembly was officially notified of her planned return.
“There was absolutely no formal notification sent to the Senate leadership or the Clerk,” Okolugbo stated. “Her appearance at the National Assembly was designed to create a false impression of legitimacy.”
He further clarified that the ruling by Justice Binta Nyako did not mandate the Senate to take any particular action concerning her suspension. According to the Senate President’s camp, the judgment did not include a direct order for reinstatement.
“Her lawyer, Juan Numa, SAN, had written to the Senate, and that correspondence was acknowledged and replied to by the Clerk,” Okolugbo added. “Instead of respecting the legal process, Senator Natasha chose media drama to mislead the public.”
Akpabio’s office also criticized the senator’s arrival at the National Assembly, where she was reportedly accompanied by supporters, which they described as “street urchins and political hangers-on.”
“This was not a legislative return. It was a publicity stunt aimed at discrediting the Senate and inciting public sympathy,” Okolugbo asserted.
Citing legal documents, Akpabio’s aide referred to Ground 23 of Natasha’s appeal, which clearly showed that the court did not expressly set aside or nullify her suspension.
“The trial judge only described the suspension as excessive and beyond constitutional bounds, but failed to issue any enforceable order lifting it,” he said.
The ongoing dispute has reignited debate over the boundaries of judicial authority versus legislative procedures, especially concerning disciplinary actions within the Senate.
As of now, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has not formally responded to Akpabio’s statements.
