Let Natasha Resume - NBA Urges Senate

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Senate to allow suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties, saying the lapse of her suspension period should pave the way for her return.

NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) told The PUNCH that the ongoing court case challenging her suspension should not prevent her from resuming work.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found that she violated Senate rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary. 

The suspension also stripped her of salary, aides, and office privileges.

She challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court and later appealed against the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako.

After completing the six-month suspension, she prepared to return to the Senate, but a letter dated September 4 from acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed her that the suspension would remain until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment.

“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 stated.

The NBA, however, insisted that the pendency of the case should not bar her return.

“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. 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.

“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 said.