Natasha’s lawyer warns Senate against defying court order

Natasha

Michael Numa (SAN), legal counsel to the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the National Assembly to comply fully with a recent Federal High Court judgment ordering her reinstatement to the Senate.

The PUNCH reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja, on July 4, 2025, ordered the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6, 2025, by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

In the judgment, Justice Binta Nyako described the six-month suspension handed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—reportedly for addressing the Senate while not seated in her assigned seat—as excessive.

The judge observed that the suspension was unduly harsh, depriving her constituents of representation and the benefits of her legislative service. She, therefore, urged the Senate to recall her to duty.

However, the Senate President has appealed the trial court’s decision, and the Senate has denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to resume.

In a rejoinder dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the Director of Litigation and Counselling, Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Mr Charles Yoila, Numa clarified the court’s ruling in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & 3 Ors.

The senior lawyer referenced the court’s enrolled order, which begins with “IT IS HEREBY ORDERED” and sets out twelve directives. Punch