The National Assembly has once again stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties, despite her six-month suspension officially ending.
The senator, suspended in March 2025 over alleged insubordination, had notified the Senate of her plan to return this month.
However, in a letter dated September 4, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, declared that her suspension remains in force because the matter is still before the Court of Appeal.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter partly read.
The Senate explained that Natasha’s suspension, linked to her refusal to change seats during plenary, would only be reviewed after the court delivers judgment.
Therefore, her request to resume was blocked, extending her absence from parliamentary duties.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that Natasha currently vacationing in London still intends to return once plenary resumes on September 23.
“She plans to resume alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes,” he told The PUNCH.
Natasha has argued that her suspension was not just about insubordination.
She insists it is tied to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate has strongly denied.
Moreover, her case has drawn public sympathy.
When she previously attempted to resume in July, security operatives prevented her from entering the National Assembly complex, despite supporters rallying outside in solidarity.
During her suspension, Natasha was stripped of key entitlements. These included her office, aides, and salaries a move that her supporters described as an attempt to silence her.
Meanwhile, the Senate maintains that the action followed due process, as recommended by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
