Senate Cautions Akpoti-Uduaghan Against Tuesday’s Return

The Nigerian Senate has issued a warning to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urging her not to attempt a return to plenary sessions ahead of due process.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, emphasized that the lawmaker representing Kogi Central must respect the terms of her suspension and await formal clearance before resuming legislative activities.

He reiterated that no existing court order had instructed the Senate to reinstate the Kogi Central senator ahead of the stipulated suspension period.

This follows reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan planned to re-enter the chamber on Tuesday, citing a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court. But according to Adaramodu, the ruling merely offered an advisory opinion, not a binding order.

“The court did not direct the Senate to recall her,” he stated, clarifying that the judge recommended a review of the Senate’s standing orders and noted the possibility of the penalty being excessive but did not find any legal violation in the Senate’s actions.

He added that the court, in the same ruling, found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposed a ₦5 million fine, as well as an order to publish apologies in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page which she has reportedly not complied with.

“It is legally flawed for the suspended senator to claim the existence of a recall order,” Adaramodu said. “Any attempt to return to the Senate under such claims would disrupt proceedings and contravene legislative protocols.”

The Senate affirmed that it will, in due course, consider the court’s recommendations. Until then, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been advised to refrain from any attempts to enter the National Assembly complex.

Meanwhile, activist Aisha Yesufu has vowed to accompany Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the National Assembly, insisting the suspended lawmaker has every right to resume following a court judgment. She also decried systemic discrimination against women in Nigerian politics.