The Nigerian Senate has directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to stay away from plenary sessions, insisting she cannot resume duties until the expiration of her suspension.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu maintained that there was no court order mandating the chamber to lift the suspension placed on the lawmaker in March 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended following a heated dispute during plenary, during which she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual misconduct—a claim the Senate President has since denied. Her suspension sparked legal proceedings and political tensions within the upper chamber.
Recently, the senator cited a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which she claimed cleared the path for her return to the Red Chamber. She had vowed to resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22.
But the Senate says otherwise.
“It is 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,” Adaramodu said.
He further clarified that the ruling did not include any enforceable directive for immediate reinstatement.
“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 statement read.
Adaramodu added that the Senate remains committed to the rule of law and is currently reviewing the court’s advisory opinion on the amendment of its Standing Orders and the senator’s recall.
“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” he concluded.
