Senate Cautions Natasha: Stay Clear of National Assembly Activities

The Senate has once again insisted that there was no court order requiring the red chamber to recall Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended and asked to abstain from the National Assembly.

This was said in a statement released on Sunday by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Adaramodu made his announcement after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan promised to return to the National Assembly on Tuesday. While speaking to attendees of a training session for her Kogi State constituents, the Kogi Central politician made a suggestion about her choice.
“I have almost two months left before the six months are up,” she stated. But by God’s special favor, I have written to the Senate once more to inform them that I will be returning on Tuesday, the 22nd.

Since the court did decide that, I will be present. They now contend that it is an order, even though it is actually a decision.

Adaramodu argued that the troubled lawmaker, who was suspended for six months in March of last year for violating Senate rules, had misunderstood Justice Binta Nyako’s decision as the reason for her intention to return.

In his remarks, the Senate spokesman contended that “the honorable court gave a non-binding advice, urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive.” However, the court clearly stated that the Senate’s imposition of the disciplinary sanction based on the senator’s misconduct during plenary did not violate any laws or constitutional provisions.

Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan was urged by the Senate to refrain from visiting the National Assembly compound and to give due process time to complete.

For the third time, the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senate wishes to reiterate that there is no court order requiring the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before her suspension ends, according to the statement.

“This explanation is required in light of the suspended senator’s widespread assertions that she plans to return to the Senate on Tuesday, which are based on a misinterpretation of the Federal High Court, Abuja’s recent ruling by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako.

Recall that after the ruling and the subsequent publication of the certified true copy of the enrolled order, the Senate, through my office, released two public remarks. We made it very clear in both remarks that the judgment contained no mandatory or affirmative directive requiring the Senate to recall Senator Akpo­ti-Uduaghan before the conclusion of her suspension.

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The honorable court instead issued a non-binding opinion asking the Senate to think about revising its Standing Orders and reexamining the suspension, which it believed might be excessive. However, the court stated unequivocally that the Senate’s imposition of the disciplinary sanction based on the senator’s misconduct during plenary did not violate any laws or constitutional provisions.

Additionally, the court convicted Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of contempt of court and issued penalties, which included an obligatory apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, as well as a fine of N5 million due to the Federal Government. These recommendations have not yet been followed.

Thus, it is unexpected and unconstitutional for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to be trying to implement a fictitious recall order while she is on appeal and has filed an application for a stay of the legally enforceable decisions against her. The Senate reiterates that there is no legally binding directive for her to return to the chamber right away.

The distinguished senator is advised not to attempt to storm the Senate on a false pretense next Tuesday, as this would be premature, violate due process, and undermine the Senate’s dignity. Being a law-abiding body, the Senate is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of its operations and the rule of law. It will not put up with its operations being disturbed.

When the time is right, the Senate will review the court’s advisory opinion about her recall and revising the Senate’s standing orders, and it will share it with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Until then, she is respectfully advised to avoid the Senate chambers and give due process time to complete its course.”