By Charles Pemu 
Abuja – The Nigerian Senate has issued a stern warning to suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, urging her not to forcefully resume legislative duties on Tuesday, contrary to reports suggesting she planned a return.
In a statement on Sunday, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu stressed that no valid court order exists mandating her recall. According to him, the Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako only gave a non-binding advisory, not a directive compelling reinstatement.
“There is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.
He further clarified that the court upheld the Senate’s disciplinary powers and found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt, ordering her to pay a ₦5 million fine, publish apologies in two national dailies, and issue a public apology on Facebook actions she reportedly hasn’t complied with.
Despite Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reliance on the judgment to justify her planned return, the Senate described her interpretation as “imaginary and legally untenable.”
“Any attempt to storm the Senate under false pretext would be disruptive and premature,” Adaramodu warned.
The Senate said it would review the court’s advisory on amending its standing orders and the senator’s suspension in due time but insisted that due process must run its course.