The Senate has directed Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to refrain from participating in its proceedings, maintaining that she remains under suspension and is not permitted to resume duties at this time.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu asserted that there is currently no valid court order compelling the Senate to lift the lawmaker’s suspension ahead of schedule.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a confrontation involving seating arrangements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual misconduct, an allegation Akpabio has denied.
Despite a recent ruling from Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which Akpoti-Uduaghan has cited as grounds to resume sitting on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Senate insists the judgment does not authorize her immediate reinstatement.
Adaramodu explained, “It is therefore surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against the valid and binding orders made against her, is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist. The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber.”
He further warned the suspended lawmaker against attempting to return prematurely.
“We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process. The Senate, as a law-abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings,” the statement read.
According to Adaramodu, the Senate will consider the court’s advisory opinion in due course and communicate any decisions to Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”
