Senate Warns Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: ‘Your Return Is Premature and Legally Baseless’

The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning to suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, cautioning her against any attempt to return to legislative duties before her suspension is officially lifted.

In a statement released on Monday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that no court order currently exists mandating the Senate to reinstate the embattled senator.

“For the third time, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm that there is no subsisting court order compelling the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the end of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.

Reports had circulated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan planned to resume her seat on Tuesday, citing a recent Federal High Court judgment. However, Adaramodu clarified that the court merely offered an advisory opinion suggesting a review of the length of her suspension not a directive for immediate reinstatement.

According to the Senate, the same judgment also upheld the Senate’s authority to discipline its members. The court found the senator in contempt, imposed a ₦5 million fine, and ordered her to issue a public apology directives she has allegedly failed to comply with.

“It is both surprising and legally unfounded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is still under suspension and has appealed the judgment, is acting on a court order that doesn’t exist,” Adaramodu added.

He further warned that any effort to re-enter the Senate chambers without proper authorization would constitute a breach of legislative procedure and disrupt the order of parliamentary business.

“The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court regarding amendments to its Standing Orders and the senator’s recall, and communicate any decisions to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Until such a time, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its course,” the statement concluded.