NBA Faults Senate Over Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension Lapse

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticised the Senate for barring Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her duties despite her expired suspension.

NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, told journalists that the Senate’s action undermines constitutional democracy and deprives Kogi Central constituents of representation. He stressed that Natasha’s six-month suspension, imposed in March 2025, legally lapsed in September 2025.

“The suspension was clearly defined for six months. That period has expired. Nothing should stop her immediate return,” Osigwe stated. He faulted the Senate’s justification, which relied on a pending Court of Appeal case.

According to him, using ongoing litigation to extend an expired suspension violates natural justice and fair hearing. He noted that a pending appeal cannot become a tool for silencing an elected representative. “The constituents deserve their voice in the Senate without delay,” he emphasised.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after the Senate adopted its Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee’s report. The report accused her of breaching chamber rules by refusing to vacate her designated seat during plenary.

Her suspension stripped her of salaries, aides, and entitlements. She challenged the decision at the Federal High Court but later filed an appeal following Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling against her claims.

On September 4, the acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, wrote Natasha, insisting her suspension would last until the Court of Appeal rules. Osigwe described this as a grave misinterpretation of law.

“The suspension period is over. Only the court can decide if the Senate acted rightly, but she must resume now,” he said.

Several national newspapers, including The Punch and Premium Times, have reported similar concerns. Legal experts warned that the Senate’s insistence risks setting a dangerous precedent for legislative powers.

The NBA President urged the Senate to respect constitutional limits and immediately reinstate Senator Natasha. He concluded that keeping her away from her seat dishonours democracy and undermines legislative integrity.