Senate Warns Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Against Premature Return
By Abiola Olawale | Published July 2025
Senate Maintains Stance on Suspension Despite Court Ruling
The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to refrain from attempting to resume legislative duties until her six-month suspension expires. The upper legislative chamber maintains that no valid court order mandates her immediate recall.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, conveyed the directive following Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement of her planned return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The suspended senator had cited a recent Federal High Court judgment in her favor.
Senate’s Official Position
Adaramodu emphasized the Senate’s commitment to due process while clarifying the chamber’s interpretation of the court ruling:
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 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.
He explained that the court had merely provided “a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive.”
Background of the Suspension
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following allegations of breaching Senate rules. The disciplinary action stemmed from her allegedly making unsubstantiated claims of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session.
Court Ruling and Senate’s Response
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, ruled on July 4, 2025, that the six-month suspension was “excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of her constituents’ rights.” The court cited procedural flaws in the Senate’s disciplinary process and ordered her immediate reinstatement.
However, the Senate maintains that the court’s decision doesn’t constitute a binding recall order. Adaramodu noted: “The Court explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure based on the Senator’s misconduct during plenary.”
Constitutional Implications
This standoff raises important questions about the separation of powers between the legislative and judicial branches of government. Legal experts are divided on whether the Senate must comply with the court’s ruling or can maintain its disciplinary decision based on parliamentary privilege.
The situation continues to develop as both sides appear determined to stand their ground. Observers suggest this could lead to further legal action if neither party backs down before the suspension period ends in September 2025.
Full credit to the original publisher: New Diplomat