The legal counsel representing the Senate in the suit over the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from the Senate, has publicly challenged claims made by the embattled female lawmaker suggesting that a Federal High Court order has directed her recall from suspension from legislative functions.
In a statement issued to journalists on Monday in Abuja by the law firm of Paul Daudu, and Co., the Senate’s legal team addressed a viral video on social media in which Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan announced plans to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, based on a July 4 ruling by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The video, which has spread across social media and various media platforms, shows the Kogi Centrao Senator telling supporters that the court judgement mandates the Senate to recall her from suspension. However, the Senate’s counsel has firmly refuted the interpretation of the court’s decision.
“Our position is clear,” the statement read. “The judgement of the Honourable Court did not contain any express order setting aside or nullifying the six-month suspension.”
According to Paul Daudu, who was present during the court proceedings, the judge merely offered an obiter dicta—a legal opinion not forming part of the binding judgement—stating that the suspension may be excessive given its impact on the Kogi Central constituents’ right to representation.
“This opinion,” he said, “was not crystallised into any enforceable court order.”
The legal team warned that any public assertion implying a binding directive from the court to the Senate could create confusion within the legislative environment and undermine institutional respect between the judiciary and the National Assembly.
Highlighting that the enrolled order—the official court record detailing the judgement—was yet to be made available, the Senate’s lawyers cautioned against taking any action until all parties have reviewed the formal pronouncement.
“This is not only to avoid contemptuous conduct,” the letter stated, “but to ensure that all actions taken henceforth align strictly with the actual tenor and intendment of the judgment.”
The statement concluded with an appeal to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives to act with restraint and professionalism, warning that premature moves could lead to a constitutional crisis or legislative disorder.
