The Senate has called upon suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central to respect due process and not attempt to return to the National Assembly until her suspension has fully elapsed.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, confirmed that there is no court order in effect requiring her reinstatement.
“The Senate wishes to clarify for the third time that no court order exists that compels the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension,” Adaramodu announced.
This statement follows reports indicating that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan plans to resume her duties next Tuesday, citing a judgment from the Federal High Court delivered by Justice Binta Nyako.
Adaramodu further explained that, contrary to her assertions, the judgment merely provided a non-binding advisory for the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which the court suggested may have been excessive. He emphasised that the court concluded the Senate acted in accordance with the law throughout the disciplinary process.
“Rather than issuing a mandatory recall order, the Honourable Court provided an advisory. It also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing a fine of ₦5 million, along with a requirement for a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page—actions that remain incomplete,” the Senate spokesperson stated.
He warned that any effort by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to return under the guise of a misconstrued judgment would be seen as a direct challenge to the Senate’s authority and due process.
“The Senate reaffirms: there is no enforceable order for her immediate return to the chamber,” Adaramodu reiterated, noting that the Senate would address the court’s advisory at an appropriate time and communicate its decision subsequently.
In the interim, he advised the suspended senator to “stay clear of the Senate chambers and allow due process to take its course.”
