In a statement released on Sunday, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu reaffirmed that there is no subsisting court order compelling the Senate to recall suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her disciplinary term.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a heated dispute over seating arrangements and a subsequent accusation of sexual misconduct leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—an allegation he strongly denied.
The embattled lawmaker, relying on a Federal High Court ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, recently announced plans to resume plenary attendance on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, claiming the judgment vindicated her.
However, the Senate contends otherwise.“The judgment did not contain any positive or mandatory order directing the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.
He added that it was both “surprising and legally untenable” for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to act on what he called an “imaginary order” of recall, especially while her appeal and motion for stay are still pending.
“The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” Adaramodu asserted.
Warning Against Premature Return
Adaramodu issued a strong warning, cautioning the lawmaker not to attempt re-entry into the Senate chambers under a “false pretext,” describing such action as premature and disruptive.
“The Senate, as a law-abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings,” the statement read.
He further clarified that the Senate would, at the appropriate time, review the court’s advisory opinion on amending its Standing Orders and the conditions surrounding her recall, and would communicate its decision directly to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course,” Adaramodu concluded.
