Michael Numa (SAN), legal counsel to the senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the National Assembly to comply fully with a recent Federal High Court judgment ordering her reinstatement to the Senate.
It has been reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja, on July 4, 2025, ordered the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended on March 6, 2025, by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
In the judgment, Justice Binta Nyako described the six-month suspension handed to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan—reportedly for addressing the Senate while not seated in her assigned seat—as excessive.
The judge observed that the suspension was unduly harsh, depriving her constituents of representation and the benefits of her legislative service. She, therefore, urged the Senate to recall her to duty.
However, the Senate President has appealed the trial court’s decision, and the Senate has denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the opportunity to resume.
In a rejoinder dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the Director of Litigation and Counselling, Legal Services Directorate of the National Assembly, Mr Charles Yoila, Numa clarified the court’s ruling in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & 3 Ors.
The senior lawyer referenced the court’s enrolled order, which begins with “IT IS HEREBY ORDERED” and sets out twelve directives.
He specifically noted that Order 12, which states that “the Senate should recall the Plaintiff” — although phrased with the word “should”, must be read within the context of a binding judgment when considered as a whole.
Numa explained that the court’s ruling addressed both the substantive issue and a request for a mandatory injunction, ultimately nullifying the recommendations and findings of the Senate Committee that led to the suspension. The judgment, he argued, found the suspension inconsistent with both constitutional provisions and the Senate’s Standing Orders.
He cited Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that all persons and authorities must give effect to the decisions of competent courts. He also referenced Section 318 of the Constitution, which defines a court decision to include a “judgment, decree, order, conviction, sentence or recommendation”.
In further support, the legal team cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Ecobank (Nig.) Ltd v. Tempo Energy (Nig.) Ltd (2025), which held that certain judicial recommendations may carry binding force.
Numa urged the Legal Directorate of the National Assembly to carefully review the judgment and guide the Senate appropriately, emphasising that compliance with court orders was a constitutional duty.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has announced her intention to resume her legislative duties on July 22, 2025.
The rejoinder disclosed that the senator may pursue further legal action if necessary to enforce the judgment.
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