The Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Senate to allow Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to return to her seat, saying her suspension has already run its course.
NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) told The PUNCH that it would be wrong for the Senate to continue holding her back after the six-month suspension ends.
“First, the suspension was for six months. Challenging the correctness of that decision in court is separate from the expiration of the suspension period. If the suspension has ended, she can return, regardless of whether the Senate was right or wrong in suspending her,” Osigwe said.
“The Senate cannot use the pending appeal to deprive her of her seat once the actual suspension has ended. That is not a good position for the Senate to adopt. The Senate should act honourably and allow her to resume, so that her constituents are not left unrepresented,” he added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted a report from its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of violating chamber rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary.
The punishment stripped her of her salary, aides, and office privileges. She went to court to challenge the decision, but Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court dismissed her suit. She then filed an appeal.
Although the suspension officially ended in September, the Senate, in a letter dated September 4 and signed by acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, told her she could not resume.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved,” the letter stated.
The NBA, however, maintains that her legal battle should not block her return. According to the body, the suspension has expired and her constituents deserve representation while the courts decide if the Senate acted rightly.
