Nigerian Senate Warns Suspended Senator Natasha Against Premature Return

The Nigerian Senate has repeatedly warned suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to refrain from resuming her duties before the expiration of her six-month suspension, emphasizing that no valid court order mandates her immediate recall. The suspension followed a breach of Senate rules during a dispute with the Senate President, an incident that also led to a court finding Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposing fines and a requirement for a public apology, which remain unfulfilled. While Akpoti-Uduaghan cited a Federal High Court judgment by Justice Binta Nyako as justification for her planned return, Senate officials clarified that the court only issued a non-binding advisory suggesting the Senate review its suspension procedures, not a directive for her reinstatement. The Senate stresses adherence to due process and warns that any unauthorized attempt to resume legislative duties would be premature, disruptive, and a violation of legislative order. Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu has reiterated that the Senate acted within its constitutional rights and that the court found no breach of law in the suspension. The Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the dignity and integrity of its proceedings while the matter proceeds through proper channels.