The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, whose six-month suspension has officially ended.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), in an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan should be allowed to resume her legislative duties despite an ongoing court case challenging her suspension.
“The suspension was for six months. Whether or not it was justified is for the court to decide. But once the suspension period has lapsed, she should be allowed to return,” Osigwe said.
“The Senate cannot use a pending appeal to indefinitely delay her resumption. That would unfairly deprive her constituents of representation.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the findings of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
The committee found her in violation of Senate rules for refusing to vacate her assigned seat during a plenary session. As a result, she lost access to her salary, aides, and office.
She challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court and subsequently filed an appeal following a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako.
Despite the end of her suspension, the Senate, in a letter dated September 4 and signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, stated that the restriction would remain in place until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on the matter.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
The NBA, however, insists that the legal proceedings should not interfere with her right to return to the Senate.
“The court is to determine if the Senate’s action was right. But it has no bearing on whether she should resume after the six-month suspension has elapsed,” Osigwe added.
“The Senate should act honourably. Her continued exclusion leaves her constituents unrepresented.”
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