•Warns senator against return
The Senate has dismissed claims suggesting a court order has mandated the immediate recall of suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that any attempt to re-enter the chamber without Senate clearance would be premature and disruptive.

The clarification followed public comments and media statements by Senator Natasha, in which she cited a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, as the basis for her planned return to plenary.

But in a statement issued on Saturday by the Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Senate insisted that the ruling in question contained no enforceable order compelling her recall before the completion of her suspension.

“For the third time, we categorically state: there is no existing court order directing the Senate to immediately reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the statement read.

While acknowledging that the court had offered an advisory opinion, which suggested a possible review of the Senate’s Standing Orders and describing the suspension as potentially excessive, the Senate noted that the judge upheld its constitutional powers to impose disciplinary measures on members found guilty of misconduct.

According to the Senate spokesperson, the court also found Senator Natasha guilty of contempt of court, slamming her with a ₦5 million fine payable to the Federal Government, alongside a mandatory public apology across two national newspapers and her Facebook page. The Senate noted that she has yet to comply with these orders.

“It is surprising and legally unfounded that the Senator, who has filed an appeal and a motion for stay, is now seeking to act on a non-existent recall order,” the Senate added.

Adaramodu cautioned the embattled lawmaker against “storming the Senate” on Tuesday under false pretences, warning that such action would undermine legislative integrity and the rule of law.

The Senate concluded by stating that it remained open to reviewing the advisory aspects of the judgment in due course, including amendments to its Standing Orders and the status of Senator Natasha’s suspension.

“Until then, she is advised to respect due process and stay away from the Senate floor,” the statement concluded.