Samuel Omang
A report is making the rounds that the National Assembly has stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
The Kogi Central lawmaker had formally written to the Clerk of the National Assembly, notifying that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, had lapsed and expressed readiness to return to the Senate.
However, in a letter addressed to her and seen by certain media outfits, the Acting Clerk, Yahaya Danzaria, explained that the suspension matter remains before the Court of Appeal. He stressed that until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the court’s pronouncement, no action can be taken to facilitate her resumption.
“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. The matter therefore remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is completed and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office,” the letter read in part.
Senator Natasha had previously attempted to resume on July 12, following a Federal High Court ruling that directed the Senate to review her suspension. But she was barred from entering the National Assembly premises. Both she and the Senate have since appealed portions of that judgment, which are still pending before the appellate court.
The Clerk assured that Senator Natasha would be duly notified once the matter is resolved and the Senate reaches a decision.