By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate has issued a firm warning to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her to desist from attempting to resume plenary duties, insisting there is no valid court order compelling her immediate recall.
In a statement on Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of deliberately misinterpreting a recent court ruling in an attempt to re-enter the Red Chamber.
“This is the third time we are stating clearly that there is no subsisting court order requiring the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan before the conclusion of her suspension,” Adaramodu said.
The warning comes in response to claims by Akpoti-Uduaghan that a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja entitles her to return to legislative duties.
The suspended lawmaker had declared her intention to resume at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
But the Senate maintains that the court merely offered a non-binding recommendation—suggesting a possible review of its internal rules—not a directive for immediate recall.
“There was no mandatory or positive order from the court compelling the Senate to recall the suspended Senator,” Adaramodu reiterated.
He further noted that the court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, slamming a ₦5 million fine against her, along with an order to publish a public apology in two national newspapers and on her official Facebook page.
As of the time of the statement, the Senate noted, these conditions remain unmet.
The Senate cautioned that any attempt by the suspended lawmaker to re-enter the chamber next week, without fulfilling the court’s valid directives and while an appeal is pending, would amount to a “premature and disruptive” act that violates institutional integrity.
“The Senate wishes to make it abundantly clear that no such order of recall exists. Her intended action, if carried out, would be legally untenable and disruptive,” the Senate spokesperson said.
Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the Senate disclosed that it is currently reviewing the court’s advisory opinion and would consider any necessary amendments to its Standing Orders or disciplinary decisions at the appropriate time.
“Until that time comes, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and to allow due process to run its full course,” the statement concluded.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was earlier suspended over alleged misconduct during plenary sessions.
“The Federal High Court judgment, while noting the Senate may review the suspension’s duration, upheld that the disciplinary action did not violate the law or constitution.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the National Assembly to see whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will attempt to defy the Senate’s position or comply with the ongoing legal and legislative processes.
