.png)
5 hours ago
2
The Nigerian Senate has issued a firm warning to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her to respect legislative procedures and refrain from attempting to resume duties at the National Assembly before her suspension is formally lifted.
In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, debunked claims that a court had ordered the reinstatement of the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
“The Senate wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.
The clarification comes amid reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is planning to return to plenary on Tuesday, citing a recent Federal High Court judgment by Justice Binta Nyako.
Read also: Driver lynched as renewed Benue–Cross River border lash turns deadly
However, Senator Adaramodu explained that the court did not issue any directive compelling the Senate to reinstate her, but merely offered an advisory opinion suggesting the legislative body may consider reviewing its Standing Orders and evaluating the length of her suspension.
“Rather than issuing any mandatory order for her recall, the Honourable Court gave an advisory. It also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court and imposed a ₦5 million fine, along with a directive to issue a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page. These directives remain unfulfilled,” the Senate spokesperson said.
Adaramodu stressed that the court’s opinion did not nullify the Senate’s disciplinary authority and reaffirmed that the chamber had acted within its constitutional rights.
He cautioned that any unauthorized attempt by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume legislative duties under the pretext of a misinterpreted judgment would be deemed a challenge to the Senate’s authority and an abuse of legal interpretation.
“The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” he said.
Adaramodu concluded by stating that the Senate would review the court’s advisory at a later time and make a decision in accordance with legislative norms.
Until then, the Senate has asked Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect the institution and uphold the rule of law.
“Stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” Adaramodu advised.
The post No court order mandates Natasha’s return — Senate warns suspended lawmaker to respect due process appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
