Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan issued this most recent warning after insisting on returning to plenary responsibilities on Tuesday, July 22, on Saturday, July 19, citing a recent Federal High Court ruling handed by Justice Binta Nyako in Abuja.

The Kogi Central senator’s claim was rejected by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, in a counterstatement issued on Sunday, July 20. Adaramodu clarified that the court had only provided a “advisory opinion” and not a mandatory directive to the upper legislative chamber.

”The Senate wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated”

The Senate spokeswoman stated that Justice Nyako’s decision only suggested that the Senate review its Standing Orders and perhaps reevaluate the suspension, which the court deemed “may be excessive.”

He emphasized that the court also ruled that the Senate’s action to suspend Akpoti-Uduaghan did not contravene any laws or constitutional provisions.

“Rather than issuing any mandatory order for her recall, the Honourable Court gave an advisory,” Adaramodu stressed. “It also found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court and imposed a ₦5 million fine, along with a directive to issue a public apology in two national dailies and on her Facebook page. These directives remain unfulfilled.”

He warned that any attempt by the suspended senator to force her way into the chamber under a “misinterpretation” of the court verdict would be considered as a breach of legislative order and a disrespect to the institution’s authority.

“The Senate emphasises once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber. The Senate will consider the court’s advisory at the appropriate time and communicate its decision accordingly.”he said.

The Senate advised Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to obey parliamentary procedures and avoid the chambers until such a determination is made.

“She must allow due process to run its full course,” Adaramodu advised.