The Senate has issued a stern warning to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asking her not to forcefully resume duties at the National Assembly until her suspension is officially lifted.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Senate’s spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stressed that no court ruling currently authorizes her return to the legislative chamber.
He explained that although the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, had given a judgment regarding her suspension, the court did not mandate the Senate to reverse its decision or reinstate her.
“The Senate wishes to make it absolutely clear—once again—that no legal order exists requiring the Senate to lift the suspension placed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before its duration expires,” Adaramodu said.
His comments followed reports that the embattled senator had planned to resume plenary on Tuesday, allegedly relying on the court’s decision.
However, Senator Adaramodu noted that after reviewing the Certified True Copy of the judgment, it was evident that the court only offered a suggestion, not an order, advising the Senate to consider reviewing both its standing rules and the length of the suspension.
He further stated that the same court also held the lawmaker in contempt for her conduct, ordering her to pay a ₦5 million fine to the Federal Government and issue a public apology through two national newspapers and her Facebook page.
“It is misleading and legally baseless for Senator Natasha to claim she has been cleared to return, especially while she is appealing the court’s judgment and seeking a stay of execution on the penalties imposed,” the statement added.
Adaramodu warned that any attempt by the suspended senator to appear at the Senate next week under a false impression of recall would be premature and in breach of legislative order.
“The Senate will, in due course, deliberate on the court’s advisory recommendations regarding its Standing Orders and the suspension, and officially communicate any resolution to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Until such a time, she is advised to remain away from the chamber and respect the legal and procedural processes in motion,” the Senate spokesperson concluded.