The legal counsel representing the Nigerian Senate has strongly refuted claims made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding a court order allegedly mandating her return to legislative duties following her suspension. The clarification comes amid growing media buzz and social media reactions sparked by a viral video where the Kogi Central lawmaker declared her intention to resume her Senate seat, citing a recent ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the law firm Paul Daudu & Co., the Senate’s legal team addressed the widespread narrative circulating online and in the press. They emphasized that contrary to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s assertions, the court did not issue any direct order compelling the Senate to reverse her six-month suspension.
“The court’s judgement does not contain any enforceable order nullifying the suspension,” the statement firmly stated. According to Paul Daudu, who was present during the court proceedings, the judge merely offered an obiter dicta, a legal opinion not legally binding, suggesting that the suspension might be excessive due to its impact on the constitutional right of Kogi Central constituents to representation in the Senate.
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Daudu clarified that such opinions, while notable, do not carry the force of law and cannot be interpreted as a judicial directive. He added that no enrolled order, which serves as the official and binding court record, has been released as of yet.
The Senate’s legal team expressed concern that public misinterpretations of the court’s remarks could lead to misinformation and potential disruption within the legislative system. They warned that any premature moves based on an informal legal opinion could not only breach judicial protocol but also risk provoking a constitutional standoff between the judiciary and the National Assembly.
“This situation demands caution and respect for institutional processes,” the statement read, calling on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her legal representatives to refrain from hasty conclusions that may distort the legal realities or spark unnecessary tensions within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
The Senate counsel concluded by stressing the importance of awaiting the enrolled judgement before any action is taken, noting that acting on assumptions could undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in both the judiciary and the legislature.