The Senate has officially addressed a legal petition seeking the immediate return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the legislative chamber. The demand, based on a recent court ruling, was made by her legal representatives, who argue that the judgment requires her reinstatement.
In a letter dated July 11, 2025, the law firm Numa S.A.N. & Co. referenced a July 4, 2025 judgment by Justice Binta Nyako, asserting that the ruling obligates the Senate to restore Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to her seat by tomorrow, citing Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, in a statement released yesterday in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, clarified that the court’s decision does not mandate the lawmaker’s return.
“The learned judge, Justice Binta Nyako, merely made advisory observations on the duration of the suspension,” he stated.
“These remarks are not binding or enforceable in law and do not override the Senate’s constitutional authority under Section 60.”
The Senate emphasized that the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s Enrolled Order contains no explicit directive for Senator Natasha’s reinstatement and reaffirmed its constitutional right to discipline its members.
While acknowledging the judgment, the Senate noted that the court issued no declaratory or injunctive orders forcing immediate action. It maintained that its authority to handle internal disciplinary matters remains unchallenged.
Despite the legal dispute, the Senate assured the public that it would review the court’s observations and reach a constitutionally sound decision, which will be communicated to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the public in due course.
“We urge caution against premature interpretations of judicial remarks or misapplications of constitutional provisions,” the Senate cautioned, reaffirming its commitment to judicial independence, rule of law, and constitutional democracy.
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