The Nigerian Senate has reiterated its warning to suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to stay away from the National Assembly, stating that no binding court order exists to compel her reinstatement.
This follows Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim on Saturday, July 19, 2025, that she would resume plenary duties on Tuesday, July 22, citing a recent Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja..…CONTINUE READING
In a statement on Sunday, July 20, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that the court’s ruling was merely an “advisory opinion” and not a mandatory directive.
“For the third time, the Senate confirms there is no enforceable court order mandating Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall before her suspension ends,” Adaramodu said.
He noted that Justice Nyako’s ruling suggested the Senate review its Standing Orders and reconsider the suspension, which the court deemed potentially excessive, but upheld the Senate’s legal and constitutional authority to suspend her.
The court also found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing a ₦5 million fine and ordering a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, which she has not complied with.
Adaramodu warned that any attempt by the senator to enter the chamber based on a “misinterpretation” of the ruling would be considered a breach of legislative order and an affront to the Senate’s authority.
He added that the Senate would review the court’s advisory at an appropriate time and communicate its decision.
Until then, the Senate urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect legislative processes and refrain from entering the chambers.
Meanwhile, Garba Yakub, a political analyst, said the suspended Senator Natasha may be arrested tomorrow. Emphasized that no court order mandates the embattled senator’s resumption pending the conclusion of her suspension.
