ABUJA — The Centre for Leadership Training (CLT) has cautioned Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against resuming plenary duties before the expiration of her suspension and final ruling of the Court of Appeal.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, CLT President, Chief Azuka Francis, said Natasha’s plan to return to the Senate before September 6, 2025, was “premature and inconsistent” with the Senate’s resolution.
“First, Senator Natasha’s stated resumption date is erroneous. Her suspension, as resolved by the Senate, runs its full course until Saturday, September 6, 2025. It is therefore premature and inconsistent with the Senate’s resolution for her to attempt a return before the expiration of the subsisting sanction,” Francis said.
The clarification comes after the Senate, in a letter dated September 4, 2025, signed by Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed Natasha that her case remained sub judice.
“The subject matter of your suspension is presently before the Court of Appeal. Until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the Court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.
Natasha had earlier written to the Clerk, arguing that her six-month suspension—commencing March 6, 2025—had already lapsed, thus clearing the way for her return.
But CLT maintained that since the matter was already before the judiciary, both the Senate and Senator Natasha must respect due process.
“As a law-abiding institution founded on the principles of constitutionalism, separation of powers, and respect for judicial authority, the Senate cannot, and will not, act in a manner that prejudices the ongoing judicial process,” Francis explained.
He further urged all stakeholders to allow the courts to conclude the case before taking any further steps.
“The Senate remains firmly committed to fairness, discipline, and the sanctity of its internal rules, while at the same time demonstrating absolute fidelity to the Nigerian Constitution and the authority of the courts. Until the judiciary has made its final pronouncement, all parties must exercise patience, respect due process, and uphold the integrity of democratic institutions,” Francis added.
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