The Senate has warned suspended Kogi senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against attempting to resume duties before her suspension ends.
Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, stated there’s no court order backing her return.
“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 stated.
Reports claim Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan plans to return to the Senate Tuesday, citing a Federal High Court ruling.
But Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the judgment didn’t mandate her reinstatement—only advised a review of her suspension, which the court deemed possibly excessive.
The court also upheld the Senate’s right to sanction her and found her in contempt, imposing a ₦5 million fine and ordering a public apology—actions she allegedly hasn’t taken.
“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,” Adaramodu said.
He warned that any attempt by the senator to appear at the National Assembly under a “false pretense” would disrupt legislative order and violate protocol.
“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 statement concluded.
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