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National Assembly insists judgment on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is declaratory, not enforceable.
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Clerk advises the embattled senator to await Senate’s internal decision.
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Court ruling followed claims of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio.
The National Assembly has declared that the recent Federal High Court judgment involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan does not compel her immediate reinstatement.
In a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to her legal counsel, the Clerk of the Assembly explained that the ruling was “declaratory in nature” and contained no enforceable order binding the Senate or its leadership to recall the Kogi lawmaker.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months after levelling sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She challenged the decision in the Federal High Court, where Justice Binta Nyako delivered a judgment earlier this month that her lawyers claim favours reinstatement.
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However, the Assembly’s response signed by Director of Litigation and Counselling, Mr Charles Yoila, said: “From our summary of the judgment order, there is no directive made on July 4, 2025, for the Senate, Senate President or National Assembly to comply with.”
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Yoila stressed that the judgment only advised consideration of constitutional discretion but imposed no mandatory action.
The Clerk urged Akpoti-Uduaghan and her legal team to await any further steps the Senate might take in view of the court’s declaration.
The development has further polarised opinion in political circles, with some observers accusing the legislature of stalling while others argue the court failed to issue clear directives.
