The Senator Representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has notified the Senate of her plans to resume legislative duties in line with the judgment of the Federal High Court that she should be allowed to resume representation of her constituents who duly elected her to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
A letter addressed to the Clerk of the National Assembly by Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), lawyer to the Senator reprised the Senate that the court ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on Natasha was excessive, overreaching, and inconsistent with her ability to comply with the provisions of Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.
Besides, Numa said the findings of the court aligns with long-standing judicial precedent as well as the provisions of Order 66(4) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 which does not contemplates a suspension exceeding a period of 14days.
The senior lawyer then notified the Senate that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume at the National Assembly on Tuesday, the 15th day of July, 2025.
The letter reads: “We are writing to formally forward herewith a Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Judgment Order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, delivered on the 4th day of July, 2025, by Honourable Justice B.F.M. Nyako. This Order is duly issued under the seal of the Court and the hand of the Presiding Judge.
“After a thorough consideration of the facts and applicable law, the Honourable Court made several findings and orders, including, notably, a definitive pronouncement in Order 10 that the six-month suspension imposed on the Plaintiff was excessive, overreaching, and inconsistent with her ability to comply with the provisions of Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution.
“This finding aligns with long-standing judicial precedent as well as the provisions of Order 66(4) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 which does not contemplates a suspension exceeding a period of 14days.
“In consequence, Her Lordship directed that the Senate has the power and indeed should exercise that power to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and allow her to resume representation of the constituents who duly elected her to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This order constitutes a binding decision within the meaning of Section 318 of the Constitution.
“Accordingly, we respectfully demand that you give immediate effect to the clear and binding Order of the Federal High Court by taking all necessary steps to facilitate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption of her legislative duties forthwith, in full compliance with the Court’s judgment.
“Please, also take notice that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan intends to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, the 15th day of July, 2025.
“We trust that this matter will be treated with the urgency and seriousness it demands, in order to avoid any further breach of the Plaintiff’s constitutional rights or disregard for the authority of the Court.
“Please, accept the assurances of our highest professional regards.”
