The Nigerian Senate has issued a firm warning to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, urging her to desist from resuming legislative duties pending the full resolution of her suspension and related legal matters.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu reiterated that the embattled senator, who was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct and breach of legislative decorum, remains barred from Senate proceedings.
Her suspension followed a heated altercation in the chamber, including a controversial seat dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she later accused of sexual misconduct—an allegation the Senate President flatly denied.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had recently declared her intention to return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, citing a Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako. The lawmaker claims the ruling affirms her right to resume duties, but the Senate disagrees.
According to Adaramodu, the judgment has been grossly misinterpreted and does not issue any direct or binding order compelling the Senate to lift the suspension or permit her immediate return.
“The court’s pronouncement is declaratory in nature and lacks any positive or mandatory directive requiring the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan ahead of schedule,” Adaramodu stated.
“What’s more, she has already filed an appeal and a motion for a stay of execution on the same judgment she now seeks to enforce. This contradiction renders her move both legally untenable and procedurally premature.”
The Senate spokesman emphasized that no enforceable court order currently mandates the senator’s recall, warning that any attempt to force her way back into the chamber would violate Senate protocols and the rule of law.
“We caution Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against any ill-advised attempt to storm the Senate under a misrepresented legal premise. Such actions would not only breach the dignity of the Red Chamber but risk disrupting the Senate’s operations,” Adaramodu added.
He stressed that the Senate remains committed to respecting judicial processes and will act appropriately once all legal and procedural matters have been resolved.
“At the appropriate time, the Senate will deliberate on the court’s advisory opinion, including issues surrounding the amendment of its Standing Orders and the senator’s possible reinstatement.
Until such a time, we respectfully advise Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to stay away from the Senate chamber and allow due process to take its full and lawful course,” the statement concluded.
