The Nigerian Senate has once again warned suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to stay away from the National Assembly premises, stating that no court order compels her immediate recall.
The warning follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s declaration on Saturday, July 19, that she would resume plenary duties on Tuesday, July 22, citing a recent Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja.
In a counterstatement issued on Sunday, July 20, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed her claim, clarifying that the court’s judgment offered only an advisory opinion—not a binding directive to the Senate.
“For the third time, the Senate affirms that there is no subsisting court order mandating the recall of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension expires,” Adaramodu stated.
He explained that while the court advised the Senate to consider reviewing its Standing Orders and possibly reassessing the length of the suspension, it found no legal or constitutional violation in the Senate’s original decision.
Adaramodu further noted that the court held Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt, imposing a ₦5 million fine and ordering her to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page—actions that remain outstanding.
He warned that any attempt by the senator to forcibly enter the chamber based on a misinterpretation of the ruling would be seen as a breach of legislative protocol and an affront to Senate authority.
“There is no enforceable order directing her return,” Adaramodu reiterated. “The Senate will consider the court’s advisory in due course and will communicate any decision made.”
Until then, the Senate urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect legislative processes and allow due process to take its course.
