By John Umeh
The National Assembly has stopped Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central from resuming her legislative duties, despite the completion of her six-month suspension.
Senator Natasha, who formally notified the Assembly of her intention to return to the chamber, was informed by the Clerk of the National Assembly that her suspension remains tied up in ongoing court proceedings and therefore cannot yet be lifted.
Suspension Still Before the Court
In a letter signed by the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, the Assembly maintained that her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, is a matter before the Court of Appeal.
The letter read in part:
“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 completed and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision once the matter is resolved.”
Previous Attempt to Resume Blocked
This is not the first time Senator Natasha has faced resistance in her effort to return to office. On July 12, 2025, she attempted to resume following a Federal High Court judgment directing the Senate to review her suspension. However, she was denied entry into the National Assembly complex.
Both Senator Natasha and the Senate leadership subsequently appealed parts of that judgment, leaving the matter unresolved and awaiting determination at the appellate court.
Background to the Suspension
Senator Natasha’s troubles began after a heated confrontation with the Senate President over seat allocation within the chamber. The dispute escalated, and she was suspended for six months.
The senator later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment and alleged that her suspension was a form of retaliation for rejecting his advances. The matter quickly became one of the most controversial disciplinary cases in the current legislative session, drawing attention from rights groups and political observers.
Next Steps
Until the Court of Appeal delivers its judgment and the Senate formally revisits the issue, Senator Natasha will remain unable to resume her duties. For now, her constituents in Kogi Central continue without direct representation in the upper chamber.
The case has once again raised questions about legislative discipline, the limits of parliamentary privilege, and the protection of lawmakers’ rights in Nigeria’s democracy.
