The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Senate to act with integrity and allow suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to resume her duties.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said on Wednesday that her suspension period has ended, and nothing should stop her from returning to the Senate. He stressed that even though her case is still in court, the elapsed suspension makes her resumption a constitutional necessity.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted a report accusing her of breaching rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary. The Senate also stripped her of salary, aides, and office privileges.
She challenged the decision at the Federal High Court and later filed an appeal against the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako. After serving her suspension, she wrote to resume duties. But the Senate, through acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, told her she must wait for the Court of Appeal ruling before returning.
Osigwe faulted that stance. He argued that her challenge in court does not affect the clear expiration of her suspension. “Once six months have lapsed, she has the right to return,” he said.
He added that blocking her resumption amounts to depriving her constituents of representation. “The Senate should act honourably and allow her to resume. The courts can still determine whether the suspension was right or wrong, but her people should not remain voiceless,” Osigwe insisted.
The NBA maintained that the Senate must respect due process and restore Akpoti-Uduaghan’s mandate without delay.
