The Senate has issued a stern warning to the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, advising her not to attempt a return to the National Assembly on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan to refrain from “forcefully resuming her legislative duties,” stressing that no valid court order currently mandates her recall.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu said.
The Senate’s position follows media reports quoting the embattled lawmaker as declaring her intention to return to the Senate chamber based on a judgment purportedly delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
However, Adaramodu clarified that the court ruling in question did not issue any mandatory directive requiring the Senate to lift the suspension.
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“Rather, the honourable court gave a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to consider amending its standing orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive,” he said.
He further noted that the court explicitly held that the Senate had not violated any law or constitutional provision in disciplining the senator for misconduct during plenary.
Adaramodu also referenced the court’s contempt finding against Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating: “The same court found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposed penalties, including a N5 million fine payable to the Federal Government and a mandatory apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page.”
According to the Senate spokesman, Akpoti-Uduaghan has not complied with these directives.
“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,” he added.
Adaramodu warned that any attempt by the suspended lawmaker to re-enter the chamber would be considered disruptive and in violation of legislative protocol.
“Any move by the suspended lawmaker to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext would be premature, disruptive, and a breach of legislative order,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing that the Senate remains committed to due process and will, at the appropriate time, respond to the court’s advisory.
“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 the 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,” the statement concluded.