Tension is mounting at the National Assembly as suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insists on resuming legislative duties today, despite warnings from the Senate leadership that her suspension remains in force.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended in March 2025 over alleged misconduct and contempt of the Senate, maintains that a recent court ruling supports her return. Speaking at a constituency event over the weekend, the lawmaker said she had formally notified the Senate of her intent to resume sitting on Tuesday, July 22.
“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said.
The senator argued that a recent Federal High Court judgment invalidated the Senate's authority to impose such a lengthy suspension, adding that the punishment had obstructed her constitutional duties, including the sponsorship of bills and motions.
Her counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), backed her position, stating that the judgment was clear in its direction and that the Senate had overreached its constitutional mandate.
“When you say the plaintiff should go back, you mean she should go back to work. Now that she said she wants to go and resume, let us see what the reaction of the Senate will be,” Idahosa said.
He noted that while some elements of the ruling, including a conviction for contempt, have been appealed, the decision allowing her return remains valid.
However, the Senate has strongly opposed her planned return, maintaining that no court has issued an enforceable order reversing her suspension.
In a statement issued Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, reiterated that Akpoti-Uduaghan's suspension stands.
“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,” he said.
Adaramodu clarified that the court only advised a review of the Senate's standing orders, rather than ordering a reinstatement.
“The court explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure,” he added.
The Senate further noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was fined ₦5 million for contempt and ordered to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her social media platforms, actions the chamber claims she has yet to fulfill.
Adaramodu warned that any attempt by the senator to enter the chambers today “under a false pretext” would be considered disruptive and a breach of legislative decorum.
“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” the statement read.
As of Monday evening, her aide, Isah Bala, could not confirm her exact movements, saying the team had just returned from a constituency engagement in Okene.
With both sides holding firm, observers say today’s events could set the stage for a constitutional confrontation between the judiciary and the legislature, testing the limits of parliamentary authority and judicial oversight.
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