The Nigerian Senate has issued a firm warning to suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her not to attempt resuming legislative duties on Tuesday as her suspension remains in effect.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, clarified that no court order currently compels the Senate to recall her.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria reiterates, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court judgment directing the reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension expires,” Adaramodu stated.
This comes in response to recent reports quoting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as planning a return to the Senate, allegedly based on a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Adaramodu explained that while the court offered an advisory opinion suggesting the Senate might review the suspension—described by the court as possibly excessive—it did not issue any binding order on the Senate.
He further stressed that the court upheld the Senate’s authority to discipline members for misconduct during plenary sessions.
The Senate also noted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt by the same court, which imposed a ₦5 million fine payable to the Federal Government and directed her to publish an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page—an order the Senate says she has yet to obey.
“It is legally flawed and misleading for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to act on a nonexistent order of reinstatement, especially while she is appealing the court’s decision and has filed a motion for stay of execution,” Adaramodu added.
He warned that any attempt to forcefully re-enter the Senate chambers would be deemed disruptive and contrary to established legislative procedures.
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“The Senate will, in due time, deliberate on the court’s advisory regarding its Standing Orders and her possible recall. Until then, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is advised to respect the legislative process and remain away from the chamber,” the statement concluded.
