The National Assembly has clarified why suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, cannot immediately return to her legislative duties despite insisting that her six-month suspension has elapsed.
In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and addressed to the senator, the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Yahaya Danzaria, explained that her resumption was not possible because the case is still pending before the Court of Appeal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier notified the Clerk of her intention to return on September 4, maintaining that her suspension, which began in February, had officially ended.
But in his response, Danzaria emphasized that the matter remains sub judice, adding that no administrative step can be taken until the appellate court delivers its judgment and the Senate formally reviews the suspension.
Quoting from the correspondence, he wrote: “I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, notifying this office of your intention to resume sitting and other legislative duties in the Senate on the 4th of September, 2025, which you claim is the date of expiration of the six-month suspension imposed on you by the Senate.