Appeal confirms Senate not under obligation to recall her, says lawyer
The Senate, on Wednesday, adjourned plenary until September 23, 2025, bringing an end to its current legislative session. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who announced the recess, directed all standing and ad hoc committees to use the break to conclude work on pending reports and prepare for a productive resumption.
But the day’s proceedings were eclipsed by controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), who alleged she was harassed by Immigration officials at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while en route to the United Kingdom.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was travelling with her husband to attend her stepson’s graduation, was reportedly stopped at the departure terminal and informed that her name had been placed on a watch list. The restriction, sources claimed, followed a directive allegedly issued by the leadership of the National Assembly.
“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be treated as a flight risk and her movement monitored,” a family member disclosed on condition of anonymity. “This is curious, considering there’s no subsisting court order restricting her travel and she has always honoured court appearances.”
The incident, which caused a brief commotion at the terminal, further deepened tensions between the senator and Senate leadership. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier in the year after protesting the reassignment of her seat. She later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment — a charge Akpabio has strongly denied.
Eyewitnesses said the senator protested her treatment and was seen placing multiple calls to senior immigration and government officials. She was eventually allowed to board her British Airways flight nearly an hour later.
Spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, said he would respond once he had full details of the incident.
Meanwhile, in a new twist to the legal challenge surrounding her suspension, Abuja-based lawyer and public affairs analyst, Dayo Fadugba, has said the senator’s appeal to the Court of Appeal only strengthens the Senate’s position.
According to Fadugba, Ground 23 of her 30-ground appeal admits that the Federal High Court ruling did not issue any enforceable directive ordering her reinstatement, but merely observed the six-month suspension to be excessive.
“The appeal itself confirms what has always been clear — that the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako was declaratory, not mandatory,” he said. “The Senate, therefore, acted within its rights in choosing not to recall her before the suspension period lapsed.”
Meanwhile, senators are expected to travel to Jos, Plateau State, today to attend the funeral of the wife of their colleague, Senator Diket Plang.
