The Centre for Leadership Training (CLT) has advised Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to hold off on resuming her legislative duties until the Court of Appeal delivers its ruling on her suspension.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, CLT President, Chief Azuka Francis, said the senator’s plan to return before September 6 was premature and contrary to the Senate’s earlier resolution.
“Senator Natasha’s stated resumption date is erroneous.
Her suspension, as resolved by the Senate, runs its full course until Saturday, September 6, 2025. Any attempt to return before then is inconsistent with that resolution,” Francis said.
The Senate had earlier communicated its position to the lawmaker in a September 4 letter signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria.
The letter stressed that the suspension matter remained sub judice since it was before the Court of Appeal, and no administrative action could be taken until the judicial process was concluded.
Senator Natasha had maintained that her six-month suspension, which began on March 6, had expired, insisting she was ready to return to plenary.
CLT, however, urged all stakeholders to allow the judiciary to make its pronouncement before any further action is taken.
“As a law-abiding institution guided by constitutional principles and judicial authority, the Senate cannot act in a way that undermines the ongoing judicial process,” Francis said, adding that fairness, discipline, and respect for democratic institutions must be upheld.