Natasha’s Senate suspension drama escalates as she defies court-mandated apology and delays resumption, Senate moves to tighten disciplinary rules

Natasha’s Senate suspension drama took a new turn on Tuesday as the embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, failed to resume legislative duties or issue the mandated public apology, days after a Federal High Court voided her suspension.

Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Senate recall upheld by court, set to resume

The lawmaker, suspended for six months in March following accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had vowed to return to plenary.

However, she was absent from the Red Chamber on Tuesday, sparking speculation of backroom warnings from Senate leadership.

Supporters of Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had earlier celebrated her legal victory, were left disappointed as she neither resumed at the National Assembly nor fulfilled the court’s order to publish a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page.

“We are working with facts. Until we receive the Certified True Copy of the judgment, there will be no formal action,” a Senate source said, referencing the court’s ruling last Friday that declared her suspension unconstitutional and excessive.

Security around the National Assembly was visibly heightened on Tuesday. Officers checked vehicles and questioned visitors, though the Senate claimed this was unrelated to the senator’s anticipated return.

A viral letter allegedly from the Senate’s legal counsel warning Akpoti-Uduaghan against resuming turned out to be fake.

Paul Daudu, named as the author, denied authorship and described the document as “misleading and unauthorised.” He clarified, “I do not know the source of that letter. It did not come from me.”

Meanwhile, Senate insiders say a bill is being fast-tracked to strengthen internal disciplinary rules.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Shehu Kaka, seeks to amend the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act, introducing clearer timelines and sanctions for misconduct.

“The amendments we are seeking aim to clarify and strengthen disciplinary provisions, especially with respect to the duration of sanctions imposed on erring members,” Kaka explained.

The Senate’s delay in reinstating the Kogi senator has drawn criticism from human rights groups. Civil society organisations had earlier condemned her suspension as undemocratic and a violation of her constituents’ rights.

Justice Binta Nyako, who ruled in favour of Akpoti-Uduaghan last week, also fined her N5 million for contempt over a satirical Facebook post.

The post, which appeared to mock the court’s gag order, was deemed a breach of its earlier directive.

“Let history remember today as a test of democratic values,” one Abuja-based analyst remarked. “The court has ruled. Now, the Senate must demonstrate respect for the judiciary.”

The CTC of the judgment is expected to be delivered on Wednesday, potentially clearing the air over the legal standing of the Senate’s actions.

Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s contempt ruling sparks ₦5m fine over Facebook post

Until then, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains suspended in practice, even if not in law. The unfolding situation continues to test the limits of legislative authority and judicial intervention in Nigeria’s democracy.