Natasha’s appeal confirms Senate was right not to recall her — Lawyer

By Henry Ojelu

A new legal twist has emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as her own Notice of Appeal has been cited as evidence that the Senate was under no legal obligation to reinstate her before the expiration of her six-month suspension.

Reacting to the development, Abuja-based lawyer and policy analyst, Dayo Fadugba, said the appeal filed by the senator’s legal team validates the position that the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court contained no direct or enforceable order mandating her recall.

Fadugba pointed specifically to Ground 23 of the 30-ground appeal, which he said affirms that the trial judge only observed the suspension to be excessive, without issuing a pronouncement nullifying it.

Quoting from the appeal, he noted: “The Learned Trial Judge erred in law and abdicated her judicial duty when Her Ladyship, after rightly adjudging the Appellant’s suspension… as excessive… failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement setting aside and/or nullifying the same accordingly.”

According to Fadugba, the absence of any direct order nullifying the suspension or compelling the Senate to act undermines claims that the Red Chamber disobeyed a court directive.

“This ground alone confirms there was no enforceable order from the Federal High Court. Had such an order existed, there would be no reason to appeal its absence,” he said.

He argued that the Senate acted within its powers as provided under Section 63 of the 1999 Constitution, which permits it to discipline its members. Fadugba maintained that no law was violated by the legislative body.

He also criticised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to resume plenary while the suspension was still active, describing her move as “a staged event devoid of legal backing.”

“Her return, flanked by a crowd and media crew, was not backed by law. It was a media stunt and a calculated show of defiance,” he said, warning that such conduct could warrant further disciplinary action.

Fadugba emphasised the importance of protecting the Senate’s integrity from what he called “self-aggrandizing displays,” stressing that lawmakers must operate within the rules of the chamber.

“If every member disregards those rules, then the institution loses its authority. Her conduct could justify another round of sanctions,” he warned.

He further cautioned against the selective interpretation of judicial decisions for political ends, stating that the ongoing appeal offers needed clarity on the limits of the trial court’s judgment.

“What we have now is clarity. There was no order for recall, and her own legal team has said so. The Senate had no duty to act on an unenforceable suggestion,” Fadugba concluded.

He urged the public to focus on the legal facts, rather than partisan or emotional narratives, adding that the Court of Appeal would eventually offer a final interpretation of the issues raised.

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