The Senate has denied any directive mandating the recall of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, cautioning her against any attempt to return to plenary ahead of due process.
Reacting to widespread reports of a planned resumption by the embattled Kogi Central senator, Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu clarified that the Federal High Court ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako did not compel the Senate to lift her suspension.
“There is no enforceable court order requiring her reinstatement,” Adaramodu stated on Saturday. “What the court offered was a suggestion—not a mandate—to review our Standing Orders. It did not fault our decision or ask us to reverse it.”
The Senate emphasized that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension followed internal legislative procedures, and any return must be formally processed. The chamber also pointed out that the senator remains in contempt of court, having failed to comply with penalties imposed in a related ruling—including a ₦5 million fine and a public apology across media platforms.
Calling her planned return “legally unfounded,” the Senate warned that any attempt to re-enter the red chamber without proper reinstatement would violate its rules and disrupt legislative order.
“The Senate will consider the court’s advisory when the time is right,” the statement concluded. “Until then, Senator Natasha remains suspended.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year for alleged misconduct during plenary. The Senate insists the disciplinary action remains valid and constitutional.