The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Senate to immediately allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her duties as the representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District, emphasizing that the expiration of her six-month suspension supersedes any ongoing legal proceedings.
In a strongly worded statement, NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), described the Senate's decision to block the senator's resumption as untenable and urged the upper chamber to act honorably in the interest of democracy and her constituents. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of violating Senate rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during a plenary session. The suspension, which lasted six months and deprived her of salary, aides, and office privileges, officially concluded in early September 2025.
Despite the end of the suspension period, the Senate, through a letter dated September 4, 2025, from Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan that she could not resume, citing the ongoing court case challenging the suspension as sub judice. The senator had filed a suit at the Federal High Court, with the matter now before the Court of Appeal following a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako.
NBA President Osigwe (SAN) stressed that the legal challenge is distinct from the suspension's expiration. "First, the suspension was for six months. Challenging the correctness of that decision in court is separate from the expiration of the suspension period. If the suspension has ended, she can return, regardless of whether the Senate was right or wrong in suspending her," Osigwe stated. He further added, "The Senate cannot use the pending appeal to deprive her of her seat once the actual suspension has ended. That is not a good position for the Senate to adopt. The Senate should act honourably and allow her to resume, so that her constituents are not left unrepresented. While the court determines whether the Senate was justified in suspending her, the lapse of six months should allow her to return."
The NBA's intervention underscores the association's commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting democratic institutions, and ensuring fair representation for all Nigerians. By preventing Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming, the Senate risks further eroding public trust in the legislative process