Nigeria: Senate warns suspended lawmaker against resuming duties

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Senate has warned suspended lawmaker Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to desist from forcefully resuming her legislative duties. The Senate insists that there is no valid court order mandating her immediate recall. According to the Senate, a court ruling that Akpoti-Uduaghan cited as the basis for her return was merely an advisory, urging the Senate to consider amending its standing orders and reviewing her suspension.
The court had found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposed penalties, including a N5m fine payable to the Federal Government and a mandatory apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page. The Senate noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan has not complied with these
The Senate stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to resume her duties would be premature and a breach of legislative order. The Senate will consider the court’s advisory opinion on amending its standing orders and her recall at the appropriate time. Until then, Akpoti-Uduaghan is advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.