N’Assembly blocks Senator’s resumption after six months suspension

 

The National Assembly has formally rejected the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s plan to resume legislative duties.

The assembly stated that her six-month suspension remains in force pending the outcome of a Court of Appeal case instituted against the Senate by Akpoti-Uduaghan.

In a letter issued by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, dated September 4, 2025, the Senate acknowledged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intended return on September 4, the date she claimed marked the end of her suspension.

However, the Senate clarified that her suspension took effect on March 6, 2025, and emphasised that the matter is still subjudice.

The Senate insisted that no administrative action can be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers a verdict.

The letter stated that the Senate would only review her suspension after the court’s pronouncement.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read in parts.

PUNCH Online reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan, said she will return to the National Assembly later this month after completing her six-month suspension, according to her lawyer.

 

Speaking with The PUNCH in Abuja, her counsel, Victor Giwa, disclosed that the senator was on vacation in London but had already made plans to resume plenary alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a Senate resolution.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following allegations of insubordination after she rejected a change of her designated seat during plenary.

The suspension, based on recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries.

The lawmaker had consistently argued that her ordeal was linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate dismissed.

She later challenged her suspension in court, securing a judgment she said favoured her recall.

However, the Senate leadership maintained that she would remain suspended until the six-month penalty elapsed.

Her attempt to force her way back into the National Assembly in July ended in a standoff, as security operatives barred her entry despite a crowd of supporters rallying outside.