The Nigerian Senate has once again cautioned suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to keep off the National Assembly premises, stating that there is “no binding court order” mandating her recall.
This renewed warning follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s declaration on Saturday that she would resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22, referencing a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a counter-statement released Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed the senator’s interpretation of the court’s ruling, stating that it was merely “an advisory opinion” and not a directive compelling the Senate to reinstate her.
“The Senate wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu said.
He clarified that Justice Nyako’s ruling only recommended a review of the Senate’s Standing Orders and a reconsideration of the suspension, which the court noted “might be excessive.”
“Rather than issuing any mandatory order for her recall, the Honourable Court gave an advisory,” Adaramodu stated.
“It also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court and imposed a ₦5 million fine, along with a directive to issue a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page. These directives remain unfulfilled.”
Adaramodu warned that any attempt by the suspended senator to re-enter the chamber under what he called a “misinterpretation” of the judgment would constitute a violation of legislative order and an affront to the Senate’s authority.
“The Senate emphasises once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” he added.
“The Senate will consider the court’s advisory at the appropriate time and communicate its decision accordingly.”
Until such a decision is reached, the Senate has urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect legislative processes and stay away from the chamber.
“She must allow due process to run its full course,” Adaramodu advised.