Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally notified the Senate of her intention to resume her legislative duties on July 22, 2025, citing a Federal High Court judgment that ordered her reinstatement. The court, in suit FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, declared her earlier suspension excessive, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the Senate Standing Orders and Section 63 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Despite the Senate initially interpreting the judgment as advisory, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN, strongly disagreed, asserting that the ruling constitutes a binding judicial directive, not open to Senate discretion or deliberation. He pointed to Order 12 of the judgment, which states the Senate “should recall the Plaintiff.” While the term “should” was used, Numa argued that the full context of the judgment supports a mandatory interpretation.
He further highlighted that the judgment nullified the suspension and declared it void, thereby requiring compliance under Section 287(3) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities, including the legislature, to obey court orders. Citing Ecobank v. Tempo Energy (2025), he emphasized that judicial recommendations arising from contested matters are binding. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team warned that failure to comply with the court’s decision may result in further legal action, reaffirming her right to seek redress if obstructed. Her planned return comes as the Senate reconvenes following its adjournment due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In conclusion, the letter demands immediate Senate compliance, emphasizing that the rule of law and constitutional fidelity must prevail.
