Natasha’s lawyer warns senate against ignoring court order on reinstatement
Michael Numa (SAN), legal counsel to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has cautioned the National Assembly against disregarding a Federal High Court ruling ordering her immediate reinstatement to the Senate.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
However, on July 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension excessive and unconstitutional, directing the Senate to recall her.
The court found the six-month suspension—reportedly imposed because the senator addressed the chamber while not seated in her assigned seat—disproportionate and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
Despite the ruling, the Senate President has appealed the judgment, and the Senate has yet to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative functions.
In a strongly worded rejoinder dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the National Assembly’s Director of Litigation and Counselling, Mr. Charles Yoila, Numa clarified that the judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 explicitly ordered her recall.
He emphasized that although the directive uses the word “should,” the context of the judgment makes it a binding court order.
He further explained that the ruling granted both declaratory and injunctive reliefs, nullifying the findings of the Senate Committee that led to the suspension.
According to him, the judgment is consistent with Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which compels all authorities, including the National Assembly, to comply with decisions of competent courts.
Numa also cited Section 318, which defines a court’s decision broadly to include orders and recommendations.
In support of his argument, he referenced a 2025 Supreme Court ruling in Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd, affirming that certain judicial recommendations may carry legal weight.
Numa urged the National Assembly’s Legal Services Directorate to advise the Senate on the constitutional implications of defying the judgment.
He also warned that further legal steps may be taken to enforce the ruling if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not reinstated as ordered.
The senator has announced her intention to resume duties on July 22, 2025.