Natasha’s Lawyer Urges Senate To Recall Kogi Lawmaker

The counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Michael Numa (SAN), has called on the National Assembly to obey the July 4, 2025, judgment of the Federal High Court, which ordered the immediate recall of his client to the Senate.

Naijaonpoint reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025, over allegations stemming from her decision to address the chamber while not seated in her designated chair.

However, the court described her suspension as “excessive” and “unconstitutional.” Justice Binta Nyako, while delivering the judgment in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & 3 Ors, criticised the Senate’s action, stressing that it deprived the senator’s constituents of rightful representation.

“The suspension was unduly harsh and inconsistent with constitutional provisions,” the court held, adding that the six-month sanction lacked proportionality and violated both the Standing Orders of the Senate and fundamental rights.

Despite the ruling, the Senate President has appealed the decision and reportedly blocked Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties.

In a rejoinder dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the Director of Litigation and Counselling, Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Charles Yoila, Numa urged the legal department to advise the Senate to comply fully with the judgment.

He clarified that while Order 12 of the enrolled court order uses the word “should” in directing the Senate to recall the senator, it must be interpreted as a mandatory directive when viewed in the context of the entire judgment.

“It is a binding judgment that addresses both the main issue and the request for a mandatory injunction. The court invalidated the Senate Committee’s findings and recommendations that led to her suspension,” he explained.

Numa cited Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which compels all persons and authorities to obey decisions of courts of competent jurisdiction. He further referred to Section 318, which defines “decision” to include judgments, orders, and recommendations.

Backing his argument with judicial precedent, Numa cited the 2025 Supreme Court decision in Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd, where the apex court held that judicial recommendations could carry enforceable weight depending on context.

According to the rejoinder, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume her legislative duties on July 22, 2025. However, her legal team has not ruled out further legal action to enforce the court’s decision if the Senate continues to defy the judgment.