By John Umeh
Tension is brewing at the National Assembly as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has given the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, four days to clear the way for her return to the Senate chamber.
Through her lawyer, Chief Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), the Senator accused the CNA of deliberately blocking her resumption despite a subsisting court order that nullified her suspension. She argued that the six-month disciplinary sanction slammed on her in March has already run its course, and therefore no longer has legal effect.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had in July declared the suspension illegal and unconstitutional, directing that she be restored to her seat. However, the Senate leadership appealed the judgment, which the CNA cited as justification for withholding action.
Senator Natasha insists this is a misapplication of the sub judice principle, stressing that an appeal does not translate into an indefinite suspension. “You cannot punish me twice for the same allegation. My rights as a legislator must be restored,” her legal team stated in a letter dated September 11.
She further warned that if she is not allowed to resume duties by September 15, she will file contempt charges and push for disciplinary measures against the CNA in both his official and private capacity.
Observers say the impasse signals a looming showdown between the Senate leadership and one of its most outspoken members, raising constitutional questions about the limits of legislative discipline and the authority of court rulings over parliamentary actions.
