NASS Tension: Senate Divided Over Natasha’s Reinstatement
NASS Tension: Senate Divided Over Natasha’s Reinstatement
The Senate has issued a warning to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, urging her not to forcefully resume her legislative duties on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, emphasized that no valid court order currently compels her immediate reinstatement.
Adaramodu stated that the Senate remains firmly committed to upholding due process and the rule of law, adding, “For the third time, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reiterate that there is no existing court order directing the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the conclusion of her suspension.”
The Senate emphasized that the court had clearly ruled it did not violate any law or constitutional provision in suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, citing her misconduct during a plenary session as the basis for the disciplinary action.
It further noted that the same court found Akpoti-Uduaghan in contempt and imposed specific penalties—including a ₦5 million fine payable to the Federal Government and a mandatory public apology to be published in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page—none of which have reportedly been fulfilled.
“It is both surprising and legally indefensible that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while still appealing the ruling and having filed a motion for a stay of execution, is attempting to act on a non-existent recall order,” said Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu.
