Senate issues major warning to Natasha over planned return

The Nigerian Senate has cautioned suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against returning to legislative sessions, asserting that she remains barred from resuming her duties until her suspension period ends.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that there is no existing judicial directive compelling the upper chamber to reinstate the senator ahead of schedule.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March following a dispute over seating arrangements that escalated into allegations of sexual misconduct against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—allegations which he has firmly denied.

Citing a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the senator recently declared her intention to return to plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

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But according to Adaramodu, the Senate interprets the court’s decision differently, insisting it does not contain any enforceable order requiring the chamber to allow her return before the suspension concludes.

“It is therefore surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against the valid and binding orders made against her, is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist,” Adaramodu said. “The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber.”

He further warned that any attempt by the lawmaker to force her way into Senate proceedings could be seen as disruptive.

“We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process,” he added.

“The Senate, as a law-abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings.”

According to the Senate’s position, it will, in due time, review the court’s advisory opinions regarding its Standing Orders and the senator’s possible recall, before formally communicating any decisions to Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” Adaramodu concluded.