The National Assembly has stated that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, cannot resume her duties, as her suspension remains in effect until a court case involving her is concluded.
This clarification comes after Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to return to the Senate on September 4, following the end of her six-month suspension.
In a letter on Tuesday, the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, acknowledged the Senate’s notification of an intended return.
However, it confirmed that no administrative action can be taken to reinstate her while the legal matter is still pending.
The Senate’s position is that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, is now a legal issue, and they must await a verdict from the Court of Appeal before proceeding.
The letter explicitly stated, “The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption.” This means her status will only be reviewed after the court has made a pronouncement.
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The senator’s suspension resulted from a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The action was taken after she was accused of insubordination for refusing to accept a change to her designated seat during a plenary session. As a result, she was stripped of her salary, aides, and office privileges.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that her suspension was an act of reprisal for a petition she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she accused him of sexual harassment—a claim the Senate has rejected.
She later challenged her suspension in court, securing a judgment she believed supported her reinstatement.
Her previous attempt to enter the National Assembly in July resulted in a stalemate, with security personnel blocking her access despite the presence of her supporters.
