An aide to the Senate President, Mr Kenny Okolugbo, has insisted that legal filings submitted by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan herself reveal that the court ruling she referenced does not overturn her suspension from the Senate, contrary to what she has stated publicly.
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Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Okolugbo referenced Ground 23 of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s appeal in the suit Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors. He maintained that the appeal document directly undermines her assertion that the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement.
Quoting from the appeal, he said: “The learned trial judge erred in law… after rightly adjudging the suspension… as excessive… failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement to set aside and/or nullify same accordingly.”
Mr Okolugbo said this line confirms that Justice Binta Nyako’s judgement acknowledged the excessive nature of the suspension but did not nullify it.
“That clearly shows the court did not lift her suspension. Her own court documents confirm this,” he asserted.
Despite this, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the Senate chamber on 22 July, claiming she had been reinstated. Mr Okolugbo described her actions as “a media stunt” and “deeply irresponsible”.
“There was no formal notice from the court to the Senate Clerk or the leadership instructing her return. She simply showed up with cameras and supporters in what can only be described as a choreographed spectacle,” he said.
Mr Okolugbo criticised the attempt as a deliberate move to mislead the public and provoke media sensation.
“The Senate is a constitutional institution, not a stage for theatrics. Due process must be followed,” he remarked.
He explained that a valid court directive would have been communicated through the Clerk of the National Assembly, who would then notify Senate leadership for deliberation and subsequent action.
Addressing criticism directed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Mr Okolugbo defended the legality of the senator’s suspension, citing both the Standing Orders and Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution.
“She was not suspended arbitrarily. It followed proper procedure,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Senate had offered a pathway to resolve the matter: a public apology over her conduct on 20 February.
“She was told to issue an apology, and the matter would be resolved. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so. She refused,” Mr Okolugbo revealed.
He clarified that her suspension did not affect the representation of Kogi Central. Legislative efforts, including her proposed bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, continued during her absence.
Commenting on the wider political implications, Mr Okolugbo cautioned against weaponising gender narratives.
“Nigeria has just four female senators. When truth is twisted and gender is used as a shield for misconduct, it undermines genuine advocacy for inclusion,” he said.
He also accused parts of the media of choosing sensationalism over factual reporting.
“Some journalists privately admitted they knew the truth but went for drama. We stayed silent initially, but now that Ground 23 is public, it’s obvious she misled the public,” he added.
He concluded by stating that the matter could still be resolved if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan issued a retraction and apology.
“If she continues this way, then the matter will proceed through all appropriate legal channels,” he said.
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