- Safiu Kehinde
The National Assembly has ruled out the resumption of embattled Kogi lawmaker, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite the completion of her suspension period.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was on the 6th of March suspended over alleged violation of the Senate sitting order.
Her suspension came few days after her altercation with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over sitting arrangement.
The altercation had led to sexual harassment allegation made against Akpabio by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Series of lawsuits which still lingers on would then proceed.
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court ruling in July ordered the Senate to recall the lawmaker represent Kogi West Senatorial District.
Attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume to the red chamber few days after, as ordered by the court, was however foiled by the National Assembly as she was denied entry to the chamber.
With her suspension eventually completed this month, the Kogi lawmaker had reportedly notified the Senate on her intended return.
Reacting, the National Assembly in a letter issued by its Acting Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, and dated September 4, 2025, disclosed the Senate’s acknowledgement of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification.
The upper chamber however maintained that her six-month suspension remains in force pending the outcome of a Court of Appeal case instituted against the Senate by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
It held that no administrative action can be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers a verdict, arguing that her suspension took effect on March 6, 2025, and the matter is still subjudice.
The Senate, according to the letter, said it would only review her suspension after the court’s pronouncement.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter partly read.