Natasha announces new date to return to Senate
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has informed the Senate of her decision to return to legislative duties on July 22, 2025.
This follows a recent Federal High Court ruling that nullified her suspension and directed the Senate to reinstate her.
The court delivered its judgment on July 4, stating that her suspension was excessive and should be set aside.
However, the Senate, through the Clerk of the National Assembly, claimed the judgment was not a direct order but a suggestion.
This position was communicated after Akpoti-Uduaghan earlier announced plans to resume on July 14.
Due to the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate shifted its plenary session to July 22.
Ahead of that date, the senator has again written the National Assembly, insisting that the judgment is binding and not open for interpretation.
Her legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Michael Jonathan Numa, argued that the language used in the court’s ruling – specifically the phrase “IT IS HEREBY ORDERED” – makes it a formal order, not advice.
The legal team also pointed out that the judgment nullified the disciplinary process carried out by the Senate Committee on Ethics and maintained that the suspension violated the Constitution and Senate rules.
The lawyer noted that constitutional provisions require all arms of government, including the legislature, to obey court decisions.
The court had also ruled that the Senate’s action was inconsistent with the Constitution and therefore void.
Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed she would resume on July 22 despite earlier resistance from the Senate and warned that she may take further legal action if the judgment is not respected.
