The National Assembly of Nigeria has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s request to resume her legislative duties. In a letter to the Senate, Mrs. Akpoti‑Uduaghan indicated her intention to return on 4 September 2025, citing the end of her six‑month suspension. However, the Senate clarified that her suspension, which took effect on 6 March 2025, remains in force pending the outcome of a Court of Appeal case she filed against the Senate.
The decision was communicated in a letter signed by Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly. The letter emphasized that the matter is still under judicial consideration and that no administrative action can be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers a verdict. Accordingly, the suspension will continue until the judicial process is concluded.
Mrs. Akpoti‑Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following allegations of insubordination after she rejected a change to her designated seat during a plenary session. The suspension, based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also resulted in the withdrawal of her aides, office privileges and salaries. The lawmaker had previously argued that her suspension was linked to a petition she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of sexual harassment—a claim the Senate dismissed.
The Court of Appeal case instituted by Mrs. Akpoti‑Uduaghan remains pending, and the Senate’s decision to uphold her suspension until the case is resolved indicates that the issue is far from settled. The Senate’s insistence that it cannot take administrative action while the matter is under judicial consideration highlights the complexities involved. As the case progresses, the situation is likely to continue unfolding, with potential implications for the Senate and its members. For now, Mrs. Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s bid to resume her legislative duties is on hold, pending the court’s outcome.
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