Suspension battle shifts to Appeal Court as Clerk says matter sub judice
The National Assembly has blocked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central from resuming office, despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
Senator Natasha had formally notified the Assembly that her suspension, which took effect on March 6, 2025, had lapsed and expressed readiness to return to her seat. But in a letter responding to her request, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, declared that the issue remains unresolved because it is still before the Court of Appeal.
“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. The matter therefore remains sub judice and until the judicial process is completed, and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the letter read in part.
Danzaria added that Senator Natasha would be “duly notified” once the Senate reaches a final decision.
This development comes after the embattled lawmaker was turned back on July 12 when she attempted to resume following a Federal High Court judgment directing the Senate to review her suspension. Both parties—Senator Natasha and the National Assembly—filed appeals against portions of the judgment, leaving the matter pending before the appellate court.
For now, the fiery Kogi Central senator remains locked out of the red chamber until the legal fireworks are resolved.
— Edited by Utibe Umoren
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