The National Assembly Management (NASS) has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume legislative duties after her six-month suspension over alleged misconduct.
NASS maintained that the suspension remains valid pending the determination of the case currently before the Court of Appeal.
Recall that after the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in favour of the Senate, a dissatisfied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan proceeded to the appellate court to seek redress.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, NASS informed the lawmaker that she could not yet return to the Senate.
The letter noted her notification to resume on September 4, the date she claimed marked the end of her suspension, but clarified that the penalty only took effect from March 6, 2025. It stressed that the matter was still before the court, and therefore, her resumption could not be approved.
“The matter, therefore, remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the Ag. CNA stated.
He further added that the lawmaker “will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended in March 2025 following a resolution of the Senate over alleged misconduct after a clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio concerning seating arrangements during plenary.