The Senate has directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to stay away from its proceedings, stating that her six-month suspension has not yet lapsed.
In a Sunday statement, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that no active court order exists compelling her return before the end of her suspension.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements, during which she accused him of sexual misconduct, a charge he denied.
Citing a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the senator announced her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
The Senate spokesman, however, argued that the court’s ruling did not contain any “positive or mandatory order directing the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension.”
Adaramodu elaborated:
“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 also issued a firm warning: “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.
“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”
Adaramodu clarified that the Senate will consider both the court’s advisory opinion on amending its Standing Orders and her eventual recall at the appropriate time, and that the outcome will be communicated directly to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
