The National Assembly Management has officially informed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she cannot resume her legislative duties yet following her six-month suspension for alleged misconduct.
The suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, remains in force as the matter is currently before the Court of Appeal.
A letter from the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, made clear that no administrative action can be taken until the court delivers its final verdict on the case.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously notified the Senate of her intention to return to duties on September 4, the date she considered to mark the end of her suspension.
However, the National Assembly management emphasized that the suspension is still valid, and because the case is subjudice, she cannot be allowed to resume legislative activities at this time.
The Senate said it would only review and potentially lift the suspension after the Court of Appeal’s decision and assured that the senator would be duly informed of any developments.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension originated from allegations of insubordination after she refused to accept a seat reassignment during a plenary session in February 2025, which the Senate Committee on Ethics investigated.
The six-month suspension was supported by the Senate following recommendations by the committee, which also led to the withdrawal of her aides, office privileges, and salary during the suspension period.
The suspension caused significant controversy, with the senator claiming it was retaliatory, tied to her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—a claim that the Senate dismissed.
Despite legal efforts to challenge her suspension, including a Federal High Court judgment that described the suspension as excessive, the National Assembly maintained that she would remain suspended until the penalty period expired.
Efforts by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to forcefully resume her duties in July 2025 resulted in security operatives barring her entry to the National Assembly complex, leading to a public standoff.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, has confirmed that she was in London but prepared to return to the Senate plenary when it reconvenes, expected on September 23, 2025.
He expressed optimism that any pending legal disputes would not prevent her resumption once the suspension period officially ends.
The ongoing legal and political tussle highlights the tensions between the legislative body’s internal disciplinary powers and the senator’s demand for due process and representation of her constituents.
The case also raises broader questions about the limits of suspension powers, the rights of legislators, and the influence of political conflicts within the National Assembly.
At present, the National Assembly’s position is firm: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stands until the judiciary settles the disputes, and no legislative duties can be undertaken by her until then.
The Senate will communicate any change in status once the Court of Appeal has made its ruling. This situation underscores the complex interplay of legal, administrative, and political factors surrounding the suspended senator’s case.
