The Nigerian Senate has cautioned suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to respect the rule of law and refrain from returning to the National Assembly until her suspension officially ends.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, emphasized that no court ruling currently mandates the Senate to reinstate the embattled lawmaker.
“The Senate 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.
The clarification follows reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is planning to return to plenary on Tuesday, citing a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.
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However, Adaramodu clarified that the court’s verdict was merely advisory, not binding. According to him, the judge suggested that the Senate may consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which the court found might be excessive — but stopped short of ordering her reinstatement.
“The Honourable Court did not mandate her recall. In fact, it found her guilty of contempt and imposed a ₦5 million fine, along with an order to publicly apologize in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page. These have not been complied with,” the Senate spokesman added.
He warned that any unauthorized attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to the chamber would be viewed as a breach of due process and a challenge to the Senate’s authority.
“The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” he said.
Adaramodu assured that the Senate will deliberate on the court’s advisory at an appropriate time and will formally communicate its decision.
Until then, he urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to “stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”