SUSPENDED Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to storm the National Assembly today (Tuesday), despite a firm warning from the Senate that her six-month suspension remains in full effect.
News Point Nigeria reports that the embattled lawmaker representing Kogi Central had over the weekend announced her intention to resume plenary, citing a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional.”
“I’ve written to the Senate that I’m resuming on the 22nd. By God’s grace, I’ll be there,” Natasha said during a constituency programme. “The court decided on this even if they call it an advisory, it is still a judgment.”
Her planned return has raised the spectre of a confrontation at the National Assembly complex, with some insiders hinting at possible security reinforcements to block her entry.
Natasha’s lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, backed her decision, saying the ruling implicitly mandates her return to the chamber.
“Attendance is a legislative act. If the court says her suspension is unconstitutional and beyond 180 days, the logical interpretation is that she should resume,” Idahosa said. “The Senate can’t sit on the rights of constituents indefinitely.”
But the Senate vehemently disagrees.
On Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, issued a stern reminder that no enforceable order compels the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“For the third time, let it be clear: There is no court order directing the immediate recall of Senator Natasha,” Adaramodu declared. “The court merely offered an advisory opinion.”
He cited the Federal High Court’s findings, noting that the judge urged the Senate to review its Standing Orders, but also upheld that the Senate had not violated any law by suspending her over misconduct during plenary.
Further complicating Natasha’s case is the fact that the same judgment found her guilty of contempt over a Facebook post targeting Senate President Godswill Akpabio, fining her ₦5 million and ordering her to issue public apologies in two national dailies and on social media conditions the Senate says remain unmet.
“Attempting to return under a false pretext is disruptive and undermines legislative order,” Adaramodu warned. “Until proper procedure is followed, she must stay away.”
“The Senate will not act until we receive and review the Certified True Copy of the judgment,” Adaramodu added.
With both sides interpreting the court’s decision through different lenses, the situation remains fluid.
Natasha’s aide, Isah Bala, was evasive about her final plans for Tuesday.
“I can’t confirm for now… We just got back from Okene. I’ll get back to you,” he told journalists Monday evening.
As of press time, no final confirmation had been given but all indications suggest Natasha intends to test the Senate’s resolve in what is shaping up to be a symbolic showdown between the legislature and judiciary.
Security is expected to be heightened at the National Assembly complex today, with speculation rife that law enforcement officers may bar her entry, raising concerns about executive overreach and constitutional conflict.
Political analysts say the incident could become a test case for the balance of power between the legislature’s internal autonomy and the judiciary’s oversight responsibilities.
“We are at a constitutional crossroads,” one legal analyst observed. “If a court rules an action unlawful but doesn’t enforce redress, how should a democratic institution respond?”
As Tuesday dawns, all eyes are on the Senate chamber and on whether Natasha will be seen taking her seat, or be stopped at the gate.