Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to attempt a return to plenary today, despite the Senate’s firm position that her six-month suspension remains active and enforceable.
Representing Kogi Central, Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March, but over the weekend she disclosed her intention to resume duties, citing a recent court judgment she believes supports her return.
“Although two months remain on the suspension, I’ve written to notify the Senate that I plan to resume on Tuesday, July 22, by God’s grace,” she told reporters during a recent constituency training event. “The court has made a pronouncement on the matter. Whether they call it an order or a decision, it supports my return.
According to her, while she has continued executing constituency projects, the suspension has prevented her from fulfilling key legislative responsibilities such as debating motions and presenting bills.
Her legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, reinforced her position, stating that the court’s ruling clearly challenged the constitutional basis of the lengthy suspension.
“Legislative participation, including attending sessions, is part of a senator’s duty. The judgment rightly indicated that the suspension exceeded constitutional limits. It’s up to her constituents to decide if she should return,” he said in a phone conversation.
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He added that although the legal team had reservations about certain parts of the judgment, the court’s position on the duration and implications of the suspension was clear enough to justify her return. “The judgment is final on the matter,” he noted, emphasizing that the court had established a senator could not be suspended for 180 days.
However, when asked on Monday to confirm her plans for Tuesday, her aide, Isah Bala, could not provide a definite answer. “We just returned from Okene after a programme, so I can’t say for sure yet,” he said, promising to follow up—though no further update was available at press time.
On the other hand, the Senate appears unmoved by her interpretation of the court ruling. In a statement on Sunday, its spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, reaffirmed that the suspension remains in effect and binding.
“The Nigerian Senate maintains its position: there is no valid court order instructing the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension expires,” he said.
As tensions rise, questions loom over whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will be allowed entry into the chambers—or face obstruction by security personnel stationed at the National Assembly gates.
