Nigeria’s Bar Association urges the Senate to reinstate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after her suspension.
The group says her constituents deserve representation and the court case should not block her return.
The Nigerian Bar Association has called on the Senate to let suspended Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, return to work after completing her suspension.
NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) said that even though her case is still in court, Akpoti-Uduaghan should be allowed to resume because the suspension period has already expired.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted a committee report accusing her of refusing to vacate her seat during plenary. Her suspension removed her salary, aides, and office privileges. She challenged the decision at the Federal High Court and later appealed the judgment.
Despite finishing the suspension, a letter dated September 4 from Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed her the ban would remain until the Court of Appeal gives its verdict.
“The matter remains sub judice … no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
Osigwe argued that the court case should not block her return, saying the Senate “cannot use the pending appeal to deprive her of her seat once the suspension has ended.” He urged the Senate to act fairly so that her constituents are not left without representation.
