Senate Warns Akpoti-Uduaghan Against Forceful Return

The Senate has cautioned suspended lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against attempting to resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, citing the absence of a valid court order mandating her recall.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman Yemi Adaramodu reiterated that the Senate remains committed to due process and the rule of law.

Adaramodu emphasized that two previous public statements had clarified the Senate’s position following the court ruling and the release of the Certified True Copy of the enrolled order.

“There is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu said. “Rather, the honourable court gave a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to consider amending its standing orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive.”

The Senate noted that the court had found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, imposing penalties including a N5m fine and a mandatory apology.

Adaramodu added that it was “surprising and legally untenable” for Akpoti-Uduaghan to attempt to act on an “imaginary order of recall that does not exist” while her appeal and motion for stay are pending.

The Senate warned that any attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to “storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext would be premature, disruptive, and a breach of legislative order.” Adaramodu advised her to “stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”

PUNCH