The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Senate to allow Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to resume her legislative duties, insisting that her suspension period has already elapsed.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), told The PUNCH on Wednesday that the existence of a pending court case should not be used as grounds to prolong her exclusion from the Red Chamber.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found she violated chamber rules by refusing to vacate her allocated seat during plenary.
The suspension stripped her of salary, aides, and office privileges.
Though she challenged the decision at the Federal High Court and later filed an appeal, the Senate, in a September 4 letter signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, maintained that she would not be allowed to return until the Court of Appeal rules on the case.
“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
The NBA, however, rejected that position, stressing that the suspension was explicitly for six months and had expired.
“Challenging the suspension in court is separate from the fact that the six months have run out.
The Senate cannot use the pending appeal to deprive her of her seat. Her constituents deserve representation,” Osigwe argued.
He urged the Senate to “act honourably” and reinstate Akpoti-Uduaghan while the judiciary continues to determine the legality of her suspension.