NBA Demands Senate Reinstate Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan- Ekohotblog

NBA Demands Senate Reinstate Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Senate insists her suspension continues pending a Court of Appeal judgment.
NBA says the stance denies Kogi Central constituents their right to representation.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Senate to reinstate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, following the expiration of her six-month suspension.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said on Wednesday that the lawmaker should be allowed to resume her legislative duties immediately, regardless of the pending court case.

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“First, the suspension was for six months. Challenging the correctness of that decision in court is separate from the expiration of the suspension period. If the suspension has ended, she can return, regardless of whether the Senate was right or wrong in suspending her,” Osigwe told The PUNCH.

He further maintained that the Senate cannot rely on the pending appeal to deny her seat once her suspension has lapsed. “That is not a good position for the Senate to adopt,” he said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of violating chamber rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary.

Her suspension barred her from receiving salaries, aides, and other office privileges. She challenged the decision at the Federal High Court and later filed an appeal against Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling.

Despite completing her suspension period, attempts to resume her duties were halted. In a letter dated September 4, the acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, informed her that the suspension would remain in effect until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her suit.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved,” the letter read.

The NBA President argued that prolonging the suspension beyond its stipulated duration deprives Kogi Central constituents of representation. “The Senate should act honourably and allow her to resume, so that her constituents are not left unrepresented. While the court determines whether the Senate was justified in suspending her, the lapse of six months should allow her to return,” Osigwe added.