The Nigerian Senate has again issued a stern warning to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asking her to stay away from the National Assembly until her suspension officially ends, stressing that there is no binding court order mandating her immediate recall.
The warning came on Sunday, ahead of the senator’s planned return to plenary on Tuesday, July 22, based on a Federal High Court judgment she claimed permitted her return.
However, in a swift response, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja was not a mandatory directive but rather an advisory opinion.
“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 stated.He explained that the court merely suggested that the Senate review its Standing Orders and possibly re-evaluate the suspension, which it considered excessive.
Furthermore, Adaramodu revealed that the court also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing a ₦5 million fine and directing her to publish public apologies in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page — directives she has not yet complied with.
“Rather than issuing any mandatory order for her recall, the Honourable Court gave an advisory,” he emphasized.The Senate warned that any attempt by the suspended senator to enter the chamber under a misinterpretation of the court ruling would be seen as considered and disruptive.
“The Senate will take its time, follow due process, and communicate any decision to her,” Adaramodu added.Until then, the Senate has urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect the legislative process and refrain from making moves that could undermine the authority of the institution.
“She must allow due process to run its full course,” he concluded.