Natasha set to resume Tuesday despite Akpabio’s legal challenge

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has reaffirmed her decision to return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in line with a Federal High Court ruling, despite an ongoing appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said.

“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order — it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently in her Kogi Central constituency for an empowerment initiative, noted that while her suspension did not prevent her from engaging with constituents, it limited her ability to fulfill crucial legislative duties.

“I did mention that every senator has three major functions. Legislative — which is the creation of laws and review of treaties. Then we have oversight — which is to oversee ministers and agencies. And then the third is representation — which I’m doing.

“Whereby I identify the problems and the challenges of my community, and I make sure I present them and have them captured in the federal budget. And I have done pretty well with that. Of course, I do miss putting up my bills there, but it didn’t stop me from working.”

The senator confirmed she has formally notified the Senate of her planned return through an official letter.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has initiated an appeal challenging the judgment that ordered her reinstatement. Filed at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, the notice—dated July 14, 2025—seeks to overturn the decision of Justice Binta Nyako, who ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension lacked legal basis and was disproportionate.

The appeal, marked CA/A//2025, arises from suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 filed by Akpoti-Uduaghan to contest her removal from the legislative chamber.

Akpabio is contesting the ruling on 11 grounds, urging the appellate court to nullify the judgment delivered on July 4, 2025.