Tension As Suspended Senator Natasha Insists On Resumption Today

Tension As Suspended Senator Natasha Insists On Resumption Today
Senate insists no order compels lifting her suspension
Legal battle continues over suspension, contempt conviction

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has insisted she will resume plenary today despite clear warnings from the Senate leadership that her six-month suspension remains valid.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the lawmaker, suspended in March for alleged misconduct, said she had officially notified the Senate of her intent to return, citing a recent Federal High Court judgment as her legal backing.

“I’ve written to the Senate again, telling them I’m resuming on the 22nd, by the grace of God,” she told journalists. Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that the court ruling, while not explicitly an order, was a legal decision supporting her resumption.

Her counsel, West Idahosa (SAN), echoed this, saying the judgment confirmed the Senate exceeded its constitutional powers by suspending her for 180 days. “When the court says she should go back, it means to work,” he said.

While the court also convicted her for contempt over a social media post—imposing a ₦5 million fine and directing her to publish a public apology—the senator’s legal team has appealed that part of the ruling.

However, the Senate strongly refuted her claim of judicial clearance. In a Sunday statement, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said no binding court order compels the Senate to recall her before the suspension expires.

He noted that Justice Binta Nyako merely advised a review, clarifying that the Senate did not violate any law. Adaramodu warned that if Akpoti-Uduaghan attempts to enter the chambers today, it would be seen as a violation of legislative conduct.