“Act Honourably” — NBA Faults Senate, Says Natasha Should Resume As Pending Appeal Cannot Justify Prolonged Suspension
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Senate to act honourably and allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, to resume her legislative duties following the expiration of her suspension.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), told journalists on Wednesday that despite the pendency of her case in court, the lawmaker’s suspension period had elapsed and she should not be further deprived of her mandate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which accused her of violating Senate rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary. The suspension stripped her of salary, aides, and office privileges.
Dissatisfied, she approached the Federal High Court and, after losing at first instance, filed an appeal. Upon completing her suspension period, she made preparations to return. However, in a letter dated September 4, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed her that the six-month suspension would remain in effect until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment in her suit.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved,” the letter read in part.
The NBA, however, faulted the Senate’s stance.
“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. 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,” Osigwe argued.
He further urged the Senate to allow the senator to resume, stressing that her constituents must not be left without representation while the legal process runs its course.
