Tension continues to rise at the National Assembly as the Nigerian Senate has firmly rejected any immediate return of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
This comes after the embattled lawmaker declared her intention to resume duties despite an unresolved suspension.
The senator, representing Kogi Central, had on Saturday, July 19, announced her planned return to the chamber.
She cited a Federal High Court judgment by Justice Binta Nyako as the basis for her reinstatement.
However, her announcement caught many by surprise and has now triggered a stern response from the Senate.
According to Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, “The Senate wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.”
He clarified that the court only gave what he called an “advisory opinion,” which does not have any legal force compelling the Senate to act immediately.
Moreover, Adaramodu warned that Natasha’s planned return would be viewed as a direct violation of legislative protocol.
“Any effort by the suspended senator to forcibly gain access to the chamber… would be considered a violation of legislative protocol and a challenge to the authority of the National Assembly,” he said.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja, urged the Senate to review its rules and reassess her suspension.
However, the court also ruled that the Senate’s initial action did not break any constitutional law.
Furthermore, the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, ordering her to pay a ₦5 million fine and issue public apologies in two national newspapers and on Facebook.
The Senate insists these orders remain unfulfilled.
Adaramodu explained that the Senate will consider the advisory “at the appropriate time” and communicate its decision accordingly.
He stressed that until then, the senator must “respectfully stay away” from the chambers.
In addition, he pointed out the legal contradiction in Natasha’s action.
“It is surprising and legally baseless that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite being under suspension and having appealed the judgment, is attempting to act on a non-existent court order,” he said.
Meanwhile, observers note that the controversy highlights the ongoing power struggle between judicial advice and legislative independence.
Many expected Natasha’s return to be dramatic, but the Senate has made it clear only due process will determine her fate.
The Nigerian Senate has now urged restraint and patience as it processes the court’s recommendations.
