Aide to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Kenny Okolugbo, says Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s own court filings show that the judgment she is relying on to justify her return to the Senate did not nullify her suspension, contrary to the impression she has created in the media.
In a chat with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Okolugbo pointed to Ground 23 of the senator’s appeal in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Ors, arguing that it contradicts her public claim that she was reinstated by the Federal High Court.
Quoting from the document, Okolugbo said, “The learned trial judge erred in law… after rightly adjudging the suspension… as excessive… failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement to set aside and/or nullify same accordingly.”
According to him, this clearly shows that Justice Binta Nyako’s ruling did not invalidate the suspension.
“This means the court found the suspension excessive but stopped short of setting it aside. Her own appeal confirms this.
“Despite this, Senator Natasha returned to the Senate on July 22, declaring herself reinstated, a move Okolugbo described as a media stunt and deeply irresponsible.
“There was no official communication from the court to the Senate Clerk or leadership directing her reinstatement. Instead, she arrived at the National Assembly with cameras and supporters in what was clearly a staged spectacle,” he said.
He criticised the senator’s action as an attempt to manipulate public opinion and incite a media frenzy.
“The Senate is not a reality show. You don’t force your way into a constitutionally regulated chamber,” he added.
Okolugbo argued that if the court had indeed ordered her recall, the Senate would have followed its internal procedures: the Clerk would notify the Senate leadership, which would then deliberate before taking a decision.
He also addressed criticism of Senate President Akpabio, saying the suspension of Natasha was not personal but based on Senate rules and the Constitution.
“It followed due process under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Standing Orders,” he said.
On the way forward, Okolugbo revealed that the Senate had included a provision for her return: an apology for her February 20 conduct.
“All she needed to do was apologise publicly, and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do so, but she refused.”
He maintained that her suspension did not affect legislative work in her Kogi Central constituency.
“Her bills, including one establishing the Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, moved forward during her absence,” he said.
Okolugbo warned that the situation could harm female political participation if left unchecked.
“Nigeria has only four female senators. When one weaponises gender and distorts the truth, it undermines real struggles and damages credibility,” he said.
He also accused some media outlets of sensationalism.
“Some journalists admitted they knew the facts but chose drama instead. We had kept quiet, but now that Ground 23 is public, it’s clear she lied.”
Okolugbo concluded that the matter could still be resolved if Senator Natasha retracts her claims and apologises.
“But if she continues on this path, the legal process will take its full course,” he said.
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