The National Assembly has explained why suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, cannot yet resume her legislative duties, despite claiming to have served out her six-month suspension.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and addressed to the embattled senator, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, said her resumption was impossible because the matter was still before the Court of Appeal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier written to the Clerk, notifying the Assembly of her intention to return on September 4, which she insisted marked the expiration of her suspension imposed last February.
But Danzaria, in his response, stressed that the issue remained sub judice and that no administrative action could be taken until the court gives its ruling and the Senate formally reviews the suspension.
Quoting from the correspondence, he wrote:
“I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, notifying this office of your intention to resume sitting and other legislative duties in the Senate on the 4th of September, 2025, which you claim is the date of expiration of the six-month suspension imposed on you by the Senate.
“I am further directed to inform you that your suspension was with effect from Thursday, 6th March, 2025, and draw your attention to the fact that the subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal.
“The matter therefore remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the Court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption.
“You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved. Please accept, Distinguished Senator, the assurances of my highest regards.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the Senate in March over alleged misconduct and her refusal to comply with the chamber’s seating arrangement during plenary.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV
- Let’s Talk About SELF-AWARENESS
- Is Your Confidence Mistaken for Pride? Let’s talk about it
- Is Etiquette About Perfection…Or Just Not Being Rude?
- Top Psychologist Reveal 3 Signs You’re Struggling With Imposter Syndrome
- Do You Pick Up Work-Related Calls at Midnight or Never? Let’s Talk About Boundaries
and then