Suspension elapsed, allow Natasha back, NBA tells Senate

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Senate to allow suspended Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her duties now that her suspension period has ended.

Speaking on Wednesday, NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, emphasised that, despite ongoing legal proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be reinstated, insisting that the pendency of the suit should not prevent her return.

“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.

“The Senate should act honourably and allow her to resume, so that her constituents are not left unrepresented. While the court determines whether the Senate was justified in suspending her, the lapse of six months should allow her to return, ” Osigwe said.
Natasha was suspended on March 6, 2025, for violating Senate rules by not vacating her assigned seat during sessions, which led to the loss of her salary and privileges.

After challenging the suspension in the Federal High Court and appealing the judgment from Justice Binta Nyako, she prepared to return. However, a letter from Dr Yahaya Danzaria, acting Clerk to the National Assembly, indicated that her suspension would remain until the Court of Appeal rules on her case.

But Osigwe (SAN) maintained that even though the matter is before the courts, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be allowed to return to the Senate since her suspension period has elapsed.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found that she violated Senate rules by refusing to vacate her assigned seat during plenary. The suspension stripped her of her salary, aides, and office privileges.