By Austin Ogwuda
….says “nowhere in the judgment did the Court issue a declaratory or injunctive order mandating her recall
There is growing anxiety as the suspended Senator representing Kogi Central is set to clash again with her colleagues in the Nigerian Senate as the Senate leadership has vowed to stop her from resuming sitting tomorrow (Tuesday).
Political watchers are postulating that except there is an urgent intervention to appeal to the two warring parties to sheath sword there is likely to be a showdown should Natasha dares carry out her planned resumption agenda.
Responding to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter informing them of her plan to resume plenary, the Senate, on Sunday, through its Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu issued a press statement.
It reads:
“The Senate wishes to state categorically and for the avoidance of doubt that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Enrolled Order did not contain any express or mandatory order directing the recall or reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.
“The learned Judge, Hon. Justice Binta Nyako, merely made advisory observations on the length of the suspension, which are not enforceable or binding in law. The enrolled order clearly demonstrates that the Senate’s disciplinary powers under Section 60 of the Constitution remain intact and were not invalidated.
“Nowhere in the judgment did the Court issue a declaratory or injunctive order mandating her recall.
“However, the Senate will consider and deliberate on this judgment and consequently take a constitutionally informed position on the matter and convey the outcome to the affected Senator and the public.“The Senate remains committed to the principles of constitutional democracy, judicial independence, and the rule of law.
“Subsequently, it will not allow its processes or integrity to be undermined by premature interpretations of ongoing legal proceedings or by misapplications of constitutional provisions.
“In conclusion, there is no legal basis upon which Senator Natasha can resume legislative duties at this time”, the statement added.
Natasha had earlier in the letter to the Senate signed by Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN, of Messrs M.J Numa & Partners LLP dated July 11, entitled ‘RE: SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. The Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors: Forwarding of Court order and demand for compliance’ vowed to resume plenary Tuesday unfailingly.
The letter reads:
“After a thorough consideration of the facts and applicable law, the Honourable Court made several findings and orders, including, notably, a definitive pronouncement in Order 10 that the six-month suspension imposed on the Plaintiff was excessive, overreaching and inconsistent with her ability to comply with the provisions of Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.
“We respectfully demand that you give immediate effect to the clear and binding Order of the Federal High Court by taking all necessary steps to facilitate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption of her legislative duties forthwith, in full compliance with the Court’s judgment,” the letter stated.
“Please, also take notice that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, the 15th day of July, 2025”.
Natasha seeks to qush contempt judgment slammed on her by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court
In a related development, Natasha has filed an appeal at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn a contempt judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.
The ruling, issued on July 4, 2025, found her guilty of contempt ex facie curiae and imposed a fine of N5 million.
Her appeal is based on claims that the judgment was “legally flawed, procedurally defective, and amounted to a miscarriage of justice”.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is requesting that the appellate court set aside the ruling in its entirety.
The case stems from a motion brought before the court by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen.
