The Senate has rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s request to resume legislative duties, insisting that her six-month suspension remains in effect until the Court of Appeal rules on the matter.
In a letter signed by the acting clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate acknowledged receiving Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notice of resumption dated Thursday, September 4.
The lawmaker had argued that the date marked the end of her suspension.
The Senate, however, maintained that her suspension began on March 6 and stressed that the case is still before the Court of Appeal.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read.
The Senate stated it would only review the suspension after the court delivers its judgment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, said the lawmaker would return to the National Assembly later in September after completing the suspension.
He disclosed that she was on vacation in London but had made arrangements to resume plenary when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, after the Senate accused her of insubordination for rejecting a designated seat during plenary.
The suspension, recommended by the Senate Committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions, also withdrew her aides, office privileges and salaries.
The lawmaker maintained that the suspension was linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate dismissed.
She later challenged the suspension in court and secured a judgement she claimed favoured her recall.
In July, her attempt to re-enter the National Assembly led to a standoff, as security operatives prevented her from gaining access despite the presence of supporters outside the complex.
