The Senate has urged suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to honour due process and refrain from attempting to return to the National Assembly prior to the conclusion of her suspension.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that there is currently no court order mandating her reinstatement.
“The Senate reiterates for the third time that there is no existing court order requiring the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension period ends,” Adaramodu stated.
This clarification follows claims that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume her duties next Tuesday, referencing a Federal High Court judgment from Justice Binta Nyako.
Adaramodu explained that the ruling merely provided a non-binding opinion suggesting the Senate consider revising its Standing Orders and reassessing the suspension, which the court viewed as potentially excessive. He noted that the court ruled the Senate had acted within legal boundaries during the disciplinary process.
“Rather than issuing a binding order for her recall, the Honourable Court offered an advisory opinion. The court also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing a fine of ₦5 million and requiring her to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page—conditions that remain unmet,” the Senate spokesperson remarked.
He cautioned that any attempt by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to reclaim her seat based on a misinterpretation of the judgment would be regarded as a challenge to the Senate’s authority and due process.
“The Senate emphasises once again: there is no enforceable order for her immediate return to the chamber,” Adaramodu asserted, adding that the Senate would consider the court’s advisory in due time and relay its decision accordingly.
In the meantime, he advised the suspended senator to “refrain from the Senate chambers and allow due process to unfold.”