The Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Senate to respect due process and allow the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to resume her legislative duties.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), told reporters on Wednesday that since the six-month suspension slammed on the lawmaker has expired, there is no legal basis for preventing her return, despite the matter being in court.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted a report by its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of breaching chamber rules by refusing to vacate her seat during plenary.
The suspension deprived her of salary, aides, and office privileges. She subsequently challenged the decision at the Federal High Court and filed an appeal after losing before Justice Binta Nyako.
Although her suspension lapsed in early September, the Senate, in a September 4 letter signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, insisted the punishment would remain in force until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on her suit.
“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.
The NBA, however, disagreed, stressing that the expiration of the suspension is separate from the court case.
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Osigwe said: “If the suspension has ended, she can return regardless of whether the Senate was right or wrong in imposing it. The Senate cannot hide under a pending appeal to keep her out. That is not a good precedent. Her constituents deserve representation, and the Senate should act honourably by allowing her to resume while the court decides on the legality of her suspension.”
