The Senate has maintained that Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot resume legislative duties yet, insisting that her suspension remains valid and she must stay away. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu, in a statement on Sunday, stressed that there is no court order compelling the Senate to recall the lawmaker before the end of her suspension.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 after a heated clash over seat arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual misconduct — an allegation Akpabio denied. Relying on a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the suspended lawmaker vowed to return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Senate Insists on Suspension
Adaramodu argued that the judgment did not contain a clear or binding order directing her immediate recall. “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. The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” he said.
The Senate spokesman further warned against any attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to “storm” the chamber next Tuesday, describing it as premature and an act that could undermine the Senate’s dignity and due process.
Senate Tells Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to Stay Away Until Due Process Ends
Adaramodu added, “The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”
