The national assembly has stopped Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, from returning to her legislative duties, maintaining that her suspension remains under judicial consideration.
In a letter dated August 28, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed the clerk to the national assembly of her plan to resume on September 4, which she said marked the completion of her six-month suspension.
She pointed out that the federal high court had, in July, ruled her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional” and directed her reinstatement.
“I write to formally notify you on my decision to resume my legislative function upon the expiration of the suspension period,” she said.
She further emphasized that the expiration entitled her to resume her “full duties as a distinguished senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” without prejudice to the appeals filed at the court of appeal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also requested immediate access to her office, citing her constitutional duties and the need to prepare for plenary resumption.
She explained that her demand was driven by the necessity to review pending legislative matters, catch up on committee obligations, address constituency issues, and prepare for parliamentary sessions.
However, in a response dated September 4, 2025, Yahaya Danzaria, acting clerk to the national assembly, turned down her request.
Danzaria stated that her suspension, which began on March 6, is still subject to ongoing proceedings at the court of appeal.
“The matter therefore remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” he wrote.
The clerk added that Akpoti-Uduaghan would be formally notified of the senate’s decision once the legal process is concluded.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the senate on March 6 for gross misconduct following a seating dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.