Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a senator from Kogi Central, informed the National Assembly’s management that she would be returning to her legislative duties on Tuesday. This came after the Federal High Court ruled that the Senate’s suspension of her was unconstitutional.
The notification was sent to the National Assembly Clerk by Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan in a letter dated July 11.
Her attorney, Michael Numa (SAN), wrote the letter, pleading with the legislature to act quickly to allow her return in accordance with the court’s ruling, which was presided over by Binta Nyako. Referencing the court ruling that her six-month suspension was excessive, unconstitutional, and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation, the letter said:
“After a thorough consideration of the facts and applicable law, the Honourable Court made several findings and orders. including, notably, a definitive pronouncement in Order 10 that the six-month suspension imposed on the Plaintiff was excessive, overreaching, and inconsistent with her ability to comply with the provisions of Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.
“This finding aligns with long-standing judicial precedent as well as the provisions of Order 66(4) of the Senate Standing Orders. 2023 which does not contemplates a suspension exceeding a period of 14days.
“In consequence, Her Lordship directed that the Senate has the power and indeed should exercise that power to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume representation of the constituents who duly elected her to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This order constitutes a binding decision within the meaning of Section 318 of the Constitution,”
The National Assembly was urged to handle the notice quickly in order to prevent further violations of the senator’s constitutional rights or disrespect for the court’s authority. It also stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is prepared to return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 15.
“Accordingly, we respectfully demand that you give immediate effect to the clear and binding Order of the Federal High Court by taking all necessary steps to facilitate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption of her legislative duties forthwith, in full compliance with the Court’s judgment.
“Please, also take notice that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, the 15th day of July, 2025.
“We trust that this matter will be treated with the urgency and seriousness it demands, in order to avoid any further breach of the Plaintiff’s constitutional rights or disregard for the authority of the Court”
Due to alleged misconduct during the Senate plenary session on February 20, 2025, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March of that year.
Based on the Ethics Committee’s recommendation, her coworkers unanimously approved the suspension. Even after she reported the issue to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the international body of parliamentarians, her suspension was controversial, with some accusing the Senate of abusing its authority. She then went to the court to contest the suspension, which resulted in Mrs. Nyako’s decision.
According to the court, it was not only disproportionate to suspend an elected senator for six months, but it also essentially silenced a whole senatorial district for the majority of the legislative year.
The senator’s request may or may not be granted by the National Assembly. Only on Thursday did Senate President Godswill Akpabio declare that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan would no longer serve as the head of the upper house’s diaspora committee
