The Senate has directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to stay away from its proceedings, stating that she cannot resume duties until the expiration of her suspension.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu clarified that no existing court order compels the Senate to recall the lawmaker before her suspension ends.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 for breaching Senate rules during a confrontation over seat allocation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had accused of sexual misconduct—an allegation Akpabio has denied.

The suspended senator recently cited a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, as grounds to resume plenary on Tuesday, 22 July 2025.

However, Adaramodu said the judgment lacked any mandatory or enforceable directive requiring her immediate reinstatement.

“It is surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, despite being on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against binding orders, is relying on a non-existent recall order. The Senate emphasises once again: there is no enforceable judgment directing her return to the chamber,” he stated.

He further warned, “We urge the Distinguished Senator not to attempt storming the Senate under any false pretext. Such an act would be premature, undermine Senate dignity, and contravene due process. The Senate remains committed to the rule of law and will not tolerate disruptions to its proceedings.”

Adaramodu added that the Senate would, at the appropriate time, consider the court’s advisory opinion on the amendment of its Standing Orders and the senator’s recall, and would communicate its decision accordingly.

“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the chamber and allow due process to run its course,” he concluded.