The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Senate to act honourably and allow the suspended senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to resume her duties.
The NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), said on Wednesday that, notwithstanding the fact that the matter is before the courts, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be allowed to return to the Senate since her suspension period has elapsed.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found that she violated Senate rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary.
The suspension stripped her of her salary, aides, and office privileges.
She challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court and subsequently appealed against the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako.
After completing the suspension period, she prepared to resume her duties. However, the Senate, in a letter dated September 4 from acting Clerk to the National Assembly Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed her that the six-month suspension imposed in March would remain in effect until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her suit.
“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, said that the pendency of the suit should not prevent her return.
“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. 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. While the court determines whether the Senate was justified in suspending her, the lapse of six months should allow her to return,” Osigwe said.
