Senate To Natasha: Your Suspension Expired, But You Can’t Resume Yet
The National Assembly has explained why Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot yet return to legislative duties, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6 over alleged misconduct.
She later challenged the action in court.
On September 4, she wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, notifying him of her plan to resume.
The letter, which has since gone viral, was met with a response from the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria.
In the reply, also circulating online, Danzaria stated that the senator cannot resume legislative activities while her pending appeal against a Federal High Court judgment, which found her guilty of contempt of court, remains before the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
He stressed that no administrative action would be taken until the appellate court delivers its judgment.
The letter, dated September 4 and referenced NASS/CNA/29/VOL.1/41, assured Akpoti-Uduaghan that she would be officially informed of the Senate’s position once the case is heard and decided.
“I am further directed to inform you that your suspension was with effect from Thursday, 6th March, 2025, and draw your attention to the fact that the subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal.
“The matter therefore remains subjudice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the Court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption. You will be duly notified of the Senate’s decision on the matter as soon as it is resolved.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter of request to the Clerk to the National Assembly titled, “Notice of Resumption” and dated August 28, reads in part: “I write in my capacity as Distinguished Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, in respect of the above-referenced matter.
“You will recall that in spite of the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on the 4th day of July, 2025 which held that my suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, subsequently directing the Senate to recall me to resume my legislative duties, I was denied entry into the National Assembly Complex on the 21st day of July, 2025 on the grounds that the Senate President filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal against my resumption.
“I write to formally notify you of my decision to resume my legislative function upon the expiration of the suspension period.
“I wish to formally notify this office that the six-month suspension period imposed upon me shall expire on 4th September, 2025, being exactly six months from the date of imposition.
“Consequently, by operation of law and in accordance with the terms of the Senate’s resolution, I am entitled to resume my full duties as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is pertinent to state that my entitlement to resumption of my senatorial duties upon expiration of the suspension period subsists without prejudice to: The appeal I have filed in appeal No: CA/AB.J/CV/1107/2025, challenging, amongst others, the constitutionality of the referral leading to the suspension and terms imposed as well as the order of contempt made against me by the Federal High Court; and the Cross-Appeal filed by the Senate President.
Both matters are currently pending before the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
“Notwithstanding that the Senate is currently on recess, I hereby formally request that arrangements be made to grant me immediate access to my senatorial office upon expiration of the suspension on 4th September, 2025.
This request is founded on the following compelling grounds: “Having been away from active senatorial duties for six months, I require adequate time to review pending legislative business, catch up on committee assignments and reports, attend to constituency matters that may have accumulated during my absence, and prepare for the resumption of plenary sessions.
“I remain constitutionally bound to represent my constituents effectively, and such representation requires proper preparation and access to official resources.
“Access to official correspondence, files, and other materials in my office is essential for the proper discharge of my senatorial responsibilities.
“I wish to respectfully remind your office that the suspension was for a definite period of six months, not indefinite; upon expiration, my full rights and privileges as a Senator are automatically restored;
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“Any attempt to extend or vary the terms of the suspension beyond 4th September, 2025, unilaterally would constitute a breach of the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
“I trust that your office will take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with this legitimate demand, which is founded on law and the clear terms of the Senate’s own resolution.
“I look forward to your written confirmation of the arrangements for my resumption of duties, and would be grateful if the same could be provided before the 4th day of September, 2025.”
