Natasha Recall: Court Gave No Enforceable Order ­- NASS

National Assembly has clarified its stance on the recent Federal High Court judgement involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that the ruling does not mandate the Senate to reinstate her.

In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN) of M.J. Numa & Partners, the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly emphasised that the court’s decision in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 was declaratory in nature and did not contain any enforceable order compelling the Senate to act.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months following allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Challenging the suspension, she sought legal redress at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Binta Nyako delivered judgement earlier this month.

Following the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa, wrote to the Clerk of the National Assembly, demanding her immediate recall based on the court’s verdict.

However, the National Assembly’s official response, signed by director of Litigation and Counselling, Mr. Charles Yoila, indicated otherwise.

“From our summary of the judgment order, there is no order made on the 4th day of July, 2025, by Hon. Justice B.F.N. Nyako for the Senate, President of the Senate or National Assembly to comply with,” the letter stated.

Yoila explained that the judgement merely advised that relevant authorities consider exercising constitutional discretion and did not impose any binding directive.

As a result, the clerk advised Akpoti-Uduaghan and her legal team to await any future decisions the Senate may choose to take in light of the court’s declaration.