The Senate has issued a stern warning to suspended lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, advising her against attempting to resume legislative duties prematurely. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had declared her intention to return to the Senate on Tuesday, citing a recent Federal High Court ruling.
In a statement released on Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, stated that there is no binding court order compelling the Senate to lift her suspension. He clarified that the ruling by Justice Binta Nyako merely offered a non-binding advisory, suggesting the Senate review its standing orders and consider whether the suspension was excessive—not an enforceable directive.
Adaramodu emphasized that the court upheld the Senate’s disciplinary action and found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, ordering her to pay a N5 million fine and issue public apologies, which she has yet to fulfill. He warned that any attempt by the senator to forcibly return to the chamber would be “premature, disruptive, and a breach of legislative order.”
The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to due process and stated it would consider the court’s advisory at the appropriate time. Until then, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been urged to respect ongoing procedures and refrain from re-entering the Senate chamber.
