Ex-Kaduna Commissioner Backs Natasha’s Senate Return

Former Kaduna State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General Mark Jacobs has voiced his support for Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s return to the Senate after her six‑month suspension. The Senate acknowledged the senator’s notice to resume her duties but said it could not act until the court rules on the matter.

Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March for violating Senate rules and challenged the decision in court in July. After an unsuccessful attempt to sit, she wrote to the Senate last week indicating her intention to return. Lawmakers, however, decided to postpone any action on her letter until the court process is concluded.

Jacobs condemned the Senate’s stance as “impunity gone wild,” accusing the upper chamber of double standards. He cited a court verdict that declared the senator’s suspension unconstitutional and argued that the Senate should not use the court process to delay compliance with its own rules. With the six‑month suspension period now expired, Jacobs insists the senator should be allowed to resume her seat without further delay.

The former commissioner also accused the Senate of obstructing the judicial process by filing numerous objections and preliminary motions, which have stalled consideration of the substantive issues. He maintains that if the Senate possesses evidence against Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan, the matter should proceed in court. By delaying her return, the Senate is denying her the opportunity to perform her duties as an elected representative, despite the suspension’s expiry.

The controversy surrounding the senator’s suspension and attempted return has drawn criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, which labeled the move to bar her resumption “unconstitutional.” The episode underscores the complex relationship between Nigeria’s legislative and judicial branches and highlights the need for clearer rules and procedures governing the discipline of lawmakers. As the court process continues, the outcome of Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s case is likely to have significant implications for the Senate and the country’s democratic institutions.