The Senate has stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to legislative duties, insisting her suspension remains in force pending a Court of Appeal ruling.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March following a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate’s Ethics Committee accused her of misconduct, including defying seat assignments, speaking out of turn, and making abusive remarks. She also lost her salary, office access, and security privileges.
The suspension, however, came amid her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio—claims dismissed on procedural grounds. Since then, Kogi Central has remained without representation.
In a letter signed by Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged her notice to resume on September 4, 2025, the date she claims her six-month suspension lapsed. But the letter stressed that the suspension, which took effect on March 6, cannot be lifted until the judiciary rules on the matter.
The Senate’s stance follows a July judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared her suspension unconstitutional and ordered her reinstatement. The order was not enforced, however. Instead, the senator was fined ₦5 million for contempt and barred from the National Assembly after allegedly violating a gag order.
Both sides have appealed the ruling—Akpoti-Uduaghan seeking full reinstatement, while the Senate insists it must retain authority to discipline its members.
Analysts say the continued standoff leaves Kogi Central voiceless in the upper chamber, raising questions about constitutional representation. Her fate now rests with the Court of Appeal.
