The National Assembly has stopped Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, from resuming her legislative duties, insisting that her suspension remains a subject of litigation.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a letter dated August 28, 2025, had informed the Clerk to the National Assembly of her intention to return on September 4, marking what she described as the end of her six-month suspension. She argued that a Federal High Court ruling in July had declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional” and ordered her recall.
“I write to formally notify you of my decision to resume legislative duties upon the expiration of the suspension period,” she said, stressing that the ruling entitled her to resume full responsibilities without prejudice to the ongoing appeal at the Court of Appeal.
She also demanded immediate access to her office to enable her review pending legislative business, catch up on committee assignments, attend to constituency matters, and prepare for plenary sessions.
However, in a reply dated September 4, Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, rejected her request. Danzaria stated that the senator’s suspension, which took effect on March 6, was still under judicial consideration at the appellate court.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded 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,” Danzaria wrote.
He added that Akpoti-Uduaghan would be duly informed once the Senate reaches a decision.
The senator was suspended on March 6 for alleged gross misconduct following an altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.
