Senator Natasha suspension ruling declared excessive by Federal High Court. She petitions Senate for immediate reinstatement and vows to resume legislative duties
Suspended Kogi lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has formally petitioned the Nigerian Senate to comply with a recent court judgment that declared her suspension unlawful.
Also read: Natasha’s Senate suspension drama deepens as NASS awaits court-mandated apology
In a ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court deemed the six-month suspension “excessive and overreaching,” urging the Senate to reinstate the embattled senator.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, through her legal team, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, submitted a letter dated July 11, 2025, requesting immediate compliance with the binding court order.
The petition referenced the violation of her constitutional rights and that of her constituents.
“The Honourable Court made several findings and orders, including… 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,” the letter read.
She also declared her intent to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
“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,” the petition added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following allegations of “unparliamentary conduct.”
She subsequently filed a suit against the Senate President, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
“I will resume my responsibilities in line with the law and in service of my people, as the court has rightly affirmed,” she said.
Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate recall upheld by court, set to resume
The case has reignited debate over legislative discipline, due process, and the constitutional right to representation in the National Assembly.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
