National Assembly bars Senator Natasha from resuming despite end of suspension

The National Assembly has ruled that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot yet resume her legislative duties, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.

The senator representing Kogi Central had written to the National Assembly notifying officials that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, had elapsed and expressing her intention to return to the Red Chamber.

However, in a formal response to her letter, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension remains an unresolved legal matter.

According to the clerk, the case is still pending before the Court of Appeal, making it impossible for the Assembly to take administrative action until the judicial process is concluded.In the letter, sighted by AIT News, Danzaria explained: “The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. The matter therefore remains sub judice and until the judicial process is completed, and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously attempted to resume duties on July 12, following a ruling by the Federal High Court directing the Senate to review her suspension. However, she was denied access to the National Assembly premises.

Both the senator and the National Assembly have since appealed portions of the Federal High Court’s judgment, leaving the matter before the Court of Appeal for final determination.

The National Assembly is currently on recess, and no official date has been fixed for reviewing her status until the legal dispute is resolved.