In a letter dated September 4, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed the Kogi Central senator that her six-month suspension—imposed on March 6—would remain in force until the Court of Appeal rules on her case against the Senate.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated, dashing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s hopes of returning to duty.
The senator, suspended after being accused of insubordination by the Senate’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, lost her salaries, aides, and office privileges. She has consistently argued that the sanction was politically motivated, linking it to a sexual harassment petition she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—allegations the chamber dismissed.
Her July attempt to force her way back into the Senate ended in a tense standoff with security operatives who blocked her entry, despite protests from her supporters.
PDP Condemns “Creeping Totalitarianism”
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP accused the APC-led Senate of silencing opposition voices and depriving Kogi Central of representation.
“The attempt to use the National Assembly establishment against an elected senator is provocative, unconstitutional, and a danger to democracy,” the party said, demanding that the Clerk withdraw his letter and calling on the international community to intervene.
Senior Advocates Fault Senate’s Stance
Several SANs described the Senate’s refusal to reinstate Natasha as unconstitutional.
- Adedayo Adedeji (SAN) argued that since the suspension period had expired, the senator should be allowed to resume, warning that indefinite suspension violates constitutional provisions on representation.
- Wale Balogun (SAN) stressed that Natasha’s constituents must not be punished further, noting that “six months means six months; the Senate cannot extend this indirectly through court processes.”
- Paul Obi (SAN) called the Senate’s action “overkill and unjustifiable”, insisting Natasha had served her penalty and must resume.
- Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) said preventing her return portrayed the Senate as “vindictive and petty,” arguing that extending suspension beyond six months is illegal.
Dissenting Voice
Not all SANs agreed. Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) urged both parties to await the Court of Appeal’s ruling, saying the matter should be resolved legally through appeals and cross-appeals.
Civil Society Joins Outcry
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also condemned the Senate’s stance, calling it a violation of the rule of law.
“The Senate cannot use pending court cases as a pretext to block Natasha’s return. There is no law that prevents her resumption pending judicial determination,” SERAP said.
With mounting pressure from opposition, legal experts, and rights groups, the Senate leadership faces intense scrutiny as the countdown to the September 23 resumption begins.
