The National Assembly has stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, from resuming her legislative duties, insisting that her suspension remains under judicial consideration.
In a letter dated August 28, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed the Clerk to the National Assembly of her intention to return on September 4, which she said marked the end of her six-month suspension. She reminded the leadership that a Federal High Court ruling in July had described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional” and ordered her recall.
The senator argued that the expiration of her suspension entitled her to resume her “full duties” and requested immediate access to her office to enable her prepare for plenary, review pending bills, attend to constituency matters, and complete committee assignments.
However, in a reply dated September 4, 2025, Acting Clerk Yahaya Danzaria rejected the request, stating that the suspension, which began on March 6, remains sub judice. He said no administrative action could be taken until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the court’s ruling.
Danzaria assured that Akpoti-Uduaghan would be notified once a final decision is made.
The senator was suspended on March 6 after a heated confrontation on the floor of the Senate, where she was accused of gross misconduct following a seating arrangement dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
