Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is poised to resume plenary today, despite warnings from the Senate that her suspension remains in effect and binding. Representing Kogi Central, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended in March, announced over the weekend her intention to return, citing a recent court decision as her basis.
In a statement to journalists during a constituency training program, she expressed, “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God.” She maintained that while her suspension did not prevent her from executing constituency projects, it obstructed her ability to perform vital legislative functions.
Backing her return, her lawyer, West Idahosa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, argued that the court judgment justified her resumption. “Attendance is a legislative action. The decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents,” he said in a phone interview. He further claimed that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, emphasizing that the court’s ruling effectively mandated her return.
However, the Senate has reiterated its stance, with Yemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, reaffirming that there is no legal directive compelling her immediate recall. He clarified that the Federal High Court ruling did not issue a binding order for her reinstatement but rather offered a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to reconsider its suspension policies.
The court, led by Justice Binta Nyako, had deemed the six-month suspension excessive and unconstitutional, also imposing a fine on Akpoti-Uduaghan for contempt over a Facebook post that violated a prior court order. Despite the court’s advisory, Adaramodu noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan had not fulfilled the conditions set by the court, including a public apology.
As tensions rise, the Senate has warned that any attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to enter the chambers today could be considered disruptive. “The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court… Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers,” Adaramodu concluded.
With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, all eyes are now on the Senate chambers as this situation unfolds, posing a significant test for legislative authority and judicial oversight.
