The Senate has reaffirmed that there is no court order compelling it to recall suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her disciplinary sanction.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja. The clarification comes amid reports that the suspended senator intends to resume plenary on Tuesday.
According to Adaramodu, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims were based on a misinterpretation of a recent judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“The judgment did not contain any positive or enforceable order directing the Senate to recall her before her suspension expires,” he stated. “The court only offered a non-binding advisory, suggesting that the Senate consider reviewing its Standing Orders and the length of the suspension.”
Adaramodu added that the court explicitly ruled that the Senate acted within its constitutional and legal powers in suspending Akpoti-Uduaghan over her conduct during plenary. He also noted that the court found her guilty of contempt, imposing a fine of ₦5 million payable to the Federal Government and requiring a public apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page directives she has yet to comply with.
“It is legally unfounded for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to claim there is a court directive for her recall,” Adaramodu emphasized. “Acting on such a false narrative would violate due process and risk disrupting Senate proceedings.”
He urged the suspended senator to await the proper conclusion of legal and procedural channels, as the Senate remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
“The Senate will consider the court’s advisory opinion on amending its rules and her possible recall at the appropriate time,” he said. “Until then, she is advised to stay away from the chamber.”
