Tension Rises In Abuja As Suspended Senator Heads To National Assembly

Suspended Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Set for Contentious Senate Return Despite Leadership Warnings

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has announced plans to return to the Senate today, defying firm warnings from Senate leadership that her suspension remains valid and in effect.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended in March over alleged misconduct, said during a recent constituency event that she had formally notified the Senate of her intention to resume duties, citing a Federal High Court ruling in her favor.

“I have about two months left before the six-month suspension lapses,” she told journalists. “Nonetheless, I’ve written to the Senate informing them that I’ll resume on the 22nd, Tuesday, by the special grace of God.”

The Senator insists the court’s decision validates her right to return to plenary, even though the Senate maintains there’s no enforceable order overturning her suspension.

“They say it’s not an order, but it is a judicial decision,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, arguing that her suspension had impeded her legislative duties, such as bill sponsorship and motion presentation.

Her legal counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), backed her position, saying the court ruled that the Senate exceeded its constitutional authority by suspending her for 180 days.

“When the court says the plaintiff should go back, it clearly implies resumption of duties,” Idahosa said. “Now that she’s moving to resume, let’s see how the Senate reacts.”

Although he acknowledged that an appeal had been filed regarding the contempt conviction, he emphasized that the ruling permitting her return remains a legal victory. “She is still a serving senator, and that part of the judgment stands,” he added.

Meanwhile, her aide Isah Bala told Punch on Monday that he couldn’t immediately confirm her movements, saying, “We just got back from an event in Okene, so I’m not sure at the moment.”

However, the Senate has doubled down on its stance. In a statement issued Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed her claims of judicial clearance to return.

“The Senate reiterates, for the third time, that no valid court order exists compelling the chamber to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension expires,” Adaramodu stated.

He clarified that Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling merely offered an advisory on reviewing Senate procedures—it was not a mandate to recall her. “The court confirmed that the Senate acted within the bounds of the law in suspending her,” he said.

Adaramodu also highlighted that Akpoti-Uduaghan was fined ₦5 million and ordered to apologize publicly for a contemptuous social media post—conditions the Senate claims she has yet to fulfill.

Issuing a stern warning, Adaramodu concluded: “Any attempt to force her way into the chamber under a misleading claim will be seen as a violation of legislative conduct. Until further notice, she is urged to stay away and allow due process to prevail.”