The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Senate to allow the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to resume her duties.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), on Wednesday, statedthat the expiration of her six-month suspension should guarantee her immediate return, irrespective of the pending court case.
“First, the suspension was for six months. Challenging the correctness of that decision in court is separate from the expiration of the suspension period. If the suspension has ended, she can return, regardless of whether the Senate was right or wrong in suspending her,” Osigwe told The PUNCH.
He added, “The Senate cannot use the pending appeal to deprive her of her seat once the actual suspension has ended. That is not a good position for the Senate to adopt.”
Naijaonpoint recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of violating chamber rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary.
The suspension barred her from receiving salaries, aides, and other office privileges. She challenged the decision at the Federal High Court and later filed an appeal against the ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako.
Senate Insists Suspension Still Active
After completing her suspension period, the lawmaker moved to resume her duties.
However, in a letter dated September 4, the acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Yahaya Danzaria, informed her that her suspension would remain in effect until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her suit.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved,” the letter read.
The NBA President argued that the insistence on tying her resumption to the appeal amounted to denying her constituents their right to representation.
“The Senate should act honourably and allow her to resume, so that her constituents are not left unrepresented. While the court determines whether the Senate was justified in suspending her, the lapse of six months should allow her to return,” Osigwe added.