By Peter Omopo
Saturday, July 12, 2025 – Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has formally petitioned the Senate, urging immediate compliance with a Federal High Court judgment that declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and overreaching.
The embattled lawmaker, through her legal counsel, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, submitted a petition dated July 11, 2025, demanding full reinstatement in line with the court’s ruling delivered by Justice Binta Nyako on July 4.
In the judgment, the court held that the senator’s suspension infringed on her constitutional rights and those of her constituents, citing a violation of Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees legislative representation.
“The Honourable Court made several findings and orders, including… that the six-month suspension imposed on the Plaintiff was excessive, overreaching, and inconsistent with her ability to comply with the provisions of Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution,” the letter stated.
“We respectfully demand that you give immediate effect to the clear and binding Order of the Federal High Court by taking all necessary steps to facilitate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption of her legislative duties forthwith,” it added.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also declared her intention to resume at the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 15, regardless of any further delay from the Senate leadership, stressing that her continued exclusion would amount to contempt of court.
Her suspension, imposed earlier this year over alleged misconduct, has drawn widespread criticism, with civil society groups and legal experts questioning its legality and duration. The Senate is yet to issue an official response to the court ruling or the senator’s petition.
