JUST IN: “You can’t resume yet” – Senate tells Natasha

The National Assembly has officially rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to resume her legislative duties, saying she cannot resume yet despite the end of her six-month suspension.

The decision comes after the embattled senator had informed the Senate of her intended return following the end of her suspension period

In a letter dated September 4, 2025, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, stated that Natasha’s suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, remains valid as the matter is still sub judice.

The Senate emphasized that no administrative action can be taken until the Court of Appeal delivers a verdict on the case she filed against the Assembly.

“The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate your resumption,” the letter partly read. The Senate added that her suspension would only be reviewed after the court issues its ruling.

Natasha’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, told The PUNCH that the senator, currently on vacation in London, plans to return to the National Assembly later this month and resume plenary alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.

The senator was suspended in March 2025 following allegations of insubordination after she refused a change of her designated seat during plenary. The suspension, recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries.

Natasha has insisted that her suspension is linked to her earlier petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—a claim dismissed by the Senate.

Her previous attempt to return in July was blocked, as security operatives prevented her entry despite crowds of supporters rallying outside.