The Senate has issued a warning to suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, advising her to refrain from attempting to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday until her suspension is officially over.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, conveyed this message in a statement released on Sunday, emphasizing that there is no legitimate court order requiring her immediate reinstatement. He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to upholding due process and the rule of law.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would like to clarify, for the third time, that no current court order exists mandating Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall prior to the end of her suspension,” he stated. This clarification comes in response to media reports where the suspended lawmaker claimed she would return to the Senate on Tuesday, citing a ruling from Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Adaramodu noted that the Senate had already issued two public statements after the court’s ruling, clarifying that no binding directive against them had been made regarding her recall. He explained, “The court provided a non-binding advisory suggesting the Senate consider revising its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it deemed possibly excessive.”
The court, however, determined that the Senate had not violated any laws or constitutional provisions regarding the disciplinary action taken due to the Senator’s conduct during a session, he added.
The Senate also pointed out that the same court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing penalties, including a ₦5 million fine to be paid to the Federal Government, as well as a requirement to issue an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page—a directive she has reportedly not followed.
“It is thus surprising and legally unfounded that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while appealing and having submitted a stay motion against the valid and enforceable orders against her, is trying to act on an imaginary recall order,” the Senate spokesman remarked.
He cautioned that any attempt by the suspended lawmaker to “forcefully enter the Senate next Tuesday under false pretenses” would be untimely, disruptive, and a violation of legislative protocol.
“The Senate will, when appropriate, consider the court’s advisory on amending its Standing Orders and her potential recall and will communicate the results to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Until that time, she is respectfully advised to refrain from the Senate chambers and allow the due process to unfold,” the statement concluded.
