Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has fired back at the National Assembly, rejecting its claim that the recent court ruling directing her reinstatement was merely advisory.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, and signed by her lead counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Michael Jonathan Numa, the senator insisted the July 4 judgment of the Federal High Court was “binding, enforceable, and not up for interpretation.”
“We contest the view that the court’s pronouncement… constitutes a mere advisory opinion rather than a binding directive requiring the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the letter stated.
‘It is hereby ordered’: Legal team cites direct judicial commands
At the heart of the controversy is the Clerk of the Senate’s claim that the judgment lacked enforceable weight.
But Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team emphasized that the ruling contained twelve specific directives starting with the phrase “It is hereby ordered”, which they argue leaves no room for ambiguity.
She referenced Order 12, which stated that “the Senate should recall the Plaintiff,” asserting that despite the use of the word should, the ruling’s full context confirms a mandatory tone.
“The overall context and structure of the enrolled judgment order, when read in its entirety, clearly support a mandatory interpretation of that directive,” the senator said.
Suspension ruled unconstitutional, senator demands full reinstatement
Citing Order 10 of the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that the court had declared her suspension unconstitutional and excessive. Backing her stance with Section 63 and Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution, she argued that any action contrary to constitutional provisions is null and void.
The senator also invoked Section 287(3) of the Constitution, which mandates compliance with court orders by all arms of government.
“Compliance with the judgment is not subject to further deliberation or discretion by the Senate,” her team wrote.
“The legal implication is that the National Assembly must comply, or it will be in violation of the Constitution.”
Senator plans return to Senate on July 22
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally notified the Clerk of her intention to resume plenary duties on July 22, the day the Senate is scheduled to reconvene following the suspension of legislative sessions in honour of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We trust you will act promptly in fidelity to the rule of law, and in deference to the constitution and the binding pronouncement of the court,” the letter concluded.
Her lawyers added that should the Senate refuse to comply, she would pursue “all lawful measures to enforce her rights.”
