The Senate has cautioned suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, against attempting to resume her legislative duties by force on Tuesday, stressing that she must await the end of her suspension period.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, emphasized that no legitimate court order requires her immediate reinstatement.
He affirmed the Senate’s commitment to adhering to due process and the rule of law.
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He said, “The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.”
The Senate’s clarification was prompted by media reports indicating that the suspended lawmaker planned to return on Tuesday, reportedly citing a judgment from Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, Senator Adaramodu countered that the Senate had already issued two public statements following the court ruling and the release of the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order, making it clear that the court had not issued any direct or mandatory order for her recall.
“Rather, the Honourable Court gave a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive.
“The Court, however, explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure based on the Senator’s misconduct during plenary,” he said.
The Senate additionally pointed out that the very same court had found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing penalties that included a ₦5 million fine payable to the Federal Government.
She was also ordered to issue a mandatory apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page—a directive that, according to reports, she has yet to fulfill.
“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 spokesman added.
He cautioned that any attempt by the suspended lawmaker to “storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext” would be considered premature, disruptive, and a breach of legislative order.
“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 the 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,” the statement concluded.
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