The Senate has issued a stern warning to suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her not to resume duties on Tuesday, as her suspension remains in force.
In a statement released Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, emphasized that no existing court order mandates her immediate reinstatement.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm again that no subsisting court order compels the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the end of her suspension,” he said.
This response follows media reports quoting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan as saying she would return to the chamber on Tuesday, reportedly relying on a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako.
Adaramodu clarified that the Senate had already responded to the judgment and reviewed the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order. He stressed that the court did not issue a binding directive to recall the senator.
Instead, the court offered only a non-binding advisory, suggesting the Senate may consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension. It also upheld the Senate’s constitutional authority to discipline its members.
Additionally, the Senate pointed out that the same court found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt. She was fined ₦5 million, instructed to pay the sum to the Federal Government, and ordered to publicly apologize in two national newspapers and on Facebook requirements she has yet to fulfill.
“It is therefore surprising and legally baseless for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to attempt to return to the Senate based on an imaginary recall order,” Adaramodu stated.
He warned that any attempt by her to re-enter the chamber would breach legislative procedures and could disrupt Senate operations.
“The Senate will, at the appropriate time, review the court’s advisory and decide on the matter of her recall. Until then, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is respectfully advised to stay away and allow due process to take its course,” he concluded.
Advertisement
