The National Assembly has declared that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot yet return to her seat, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
Representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha had formally notified the Assembly that her suspension period had lapsed and expressed readiness to resume her legislative duties.
However, even though the legislature is currently on recess, the Clerk to the National Assembly replied to her letter, stating that the suspension, which began on March 6, 2025 remains tied up in ongoing court proceedings.
According to a letter obtained by AIT News, the Assembly insists that no action can be taken until the judiciary concludes the matter and the Senate has considered the court’s ruling.
The letter, signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly Yahaya Danzaria, stated:
“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal.
“The matter therefore remains subjudice and until the judicial process is completed, and the senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption
“You will be duly notified of the senates’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved”
This is not the first time the Natasha has faced hurdles in resuming. On July 12, she attempted to return following a Federal High Court judgment directing the Senate to revisit her suspension, but she was barred from entry.
Both Senator Natasha and the National Assembly have appealed aspects of that judgment, which now await a decision at the Court of Appeal.
