The Senate has said embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, will not be allowed to resume duties on Tuesday, July 23, insisting that no valid court order currently compels her recall.
This was made known on Sunday by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who explained that the recent ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja was merely declarative and not enforceable in nature.
Adaramodu stated that while the court affirmed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to representation, it did not explicitly mandate the Senate to recall her or issue any binding directive compelling her reinstatement.
“There is no valid court order compelling the Senate to act in any particular direction at this time,” he said, stressing that any attempt by the suspended lawmaker to resume without due process would be considered premature and contemptuous of the legislative institution.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March 2025 for alleged misconduct and breach of legislative decorum following a heated altercation involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Her suspension, which attracted public outcry and legal action, has remained a subject of political and legal debate.
The Senate spokesperson further emphasized that the institution is a law-abiding body and would, at the appropriate time, thoroughly study the court’s ruling before taking any decision. He added that the legislative body operates under its Standing Orders and internal disciplinary processes, which must be respected.
As at press time, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has not issued a formal response to the Senate’s position.
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