 |
| Senate |
The Senate has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bid to return to legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension is still in effect pending a Court of Appeal ruling.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Red Chamber acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intended resumption. However, it clarified that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, remains binding until the court delivers its verdict.
“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.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended earlier in March following allegations of insubordination after she resisted a reassignment of her Senate seat. The disciplinary measure, recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, office benefits, and salaries.
The lawmaker has maintained that her suspension was politically motivated and linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim the Senate strongly denied. She subsequently challenged the suspension in court, claiming to have secured a favourable judgment ordering her recall.
Despite this, the Senate leadership insists that her suspension stands until the full six-month term is completed. Her earlier attempt to force her way back into the National Assembly in July ended in confrontation, as security operatives blocked her entry despite support from cheering constituents.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, recently told PUNCH that Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently on vacation in London, planned to resume plenary with her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23. But with the latest Senate response, her return remains uncertain until the judiciary decides.
Post a Comment