Senate adamant on Natasha’s recall order

The Nigerian Senate has firmly denied claims that it is under any legal obligation to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 21, 2025, by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the upper legislative chamber reiterated that no existing court ruling has directed her immediate reinstatement.

This clarification comes in response to assertions made by the suspended senator that she plans to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday.

According to Adaramodu, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan based her intention to return on a misinterpretation of a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He explained that while the judgment offered non-binding advice regarding the senator’s suspension, it did not compel the Senate to act in any specific way.

“The court merely suggested the Senate consider reviewing its Standing Orders and reassessing the senator’s suspension, which it regarded as potentially excessive,” Adaramodu stated. “However, it clearly ruled that the Senate did not violate any law or constitutional provision in disciplining the senator for her misconduct during plenary.”

Furthermore, the court found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court. The ruling imposed a ₦5 million fine, payable to the Federal Government, and ordered her to issue a public apology in two national newspapers and on her official Facebook page. As of now, these directives remain unfulfilled, the Senate noted.

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Adaramodu expressed dismay at Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to act as though an order for her recall exists, emphasizing that the legal documents contain no such mandate.

“It is both surprising and legally indefensible that the senator, who is currently appealing the ruling and has filed a motion for stay, is acting on an imaginary order,” he said.

He warned that any attempt by the suspended senator to forcibly enter the Senate chambers under such false claims would be deemed premature and disruptive.

“The Senate will not tolerate any disruption of its proceedings. As a law-abiding institution, we remain committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the chamber,” Adaramodu affirmed.

He added that the Senate will consider the court’s advisory comments regarding procedural reforms and the senator’s suspension at an appropriate time and will duly communicate any decisions made to Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Until then,” Adaramodu advised, “she is respectfully urged to stay away from the Senate premises and allow due process to take its course.”

NAN