The Senate has declined Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s move to resume legislative duties, stating that there is no binding court order requiring her reinstatement.
This comes after a Federal High Court recently ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension was unconstitutional. Presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, described the suspension as “excessive” and a violation of the senator’s constitutional rights.
Following the judgement, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Michael Numa, wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly on 11 July 2025, notifying the Senate of her intention to return to plenary on 15 July.
In a formal reply dated 14 July, the Senate, through a letter signed by Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation and Counselling for the Clerk to the National Assembly, stated that no explicit directive had been issued by the court mandating the Senate, the Senate President, or the National Assembly to act on the ruling.
“There’s no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025 by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako for the Senate, President of the Senate or National Assembly to comply with,” the letter read.
The Senate maintained that the judgement offered a recommendation rather than a directive: “The Defendants [Senate] are advised to exercise their power to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume representing the people who sent her to represent them.”
The letter concluded by asking Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel to advise their client to await the Senate’s decision to act on the court’s advice.
Speaking on the matter, Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, reiterated the chamber’s position.
He said, “The judgement did not include any express or mandatory order directing the recall or reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team insists that the ruling is binding under Section 318 of the Constitution and should be implemented immediately. They argue that failure to act on the judgement undermines the right of her constituents to representation.
The senator was suspended in March 2025 following allegations of misconduct.
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