Recall Natasha Before Monday or Face Legal Action, Counsel Warns CNA

The legal team of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has issued a warning to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, demanding her immediate reinstatement following the expiration of her six-month suspension.

In a letter dated September 10, 2025, her counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), stated that failure to allow the senator resume legislative duties by Monday, September 15, would result in legal action against the CNA in both his official and personal capacities.

“Our client’s right to resume her parliamentary duties, after the expiration of her fixed-term suspension, is enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and cannot be abridged by administrative fiat or internal Senate processes,” the letter read.

The notice faulted a September 4 letter from the CNA, which barred Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return pending the outcome of ongoing litigation. Numa argued that the stance misapplied the sub judice rule and contradicted existing judicial pronouncements.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension began on March 6, 2025, and expired on September 6, 2025. Her counsel maintained that any continued restriction was unlawful and unconstitutional, insisting the CNA must “immediately facilitate” her resumption of duties.

The letter further warned that failure to comply would trigger contempt proceedings and other legal actions.

The senator was suspended in March after the Senate passed a resolution enforcing a six-month disciplinary measure that stripped her of salary, benefits, and access to the National Assembly. Despite a Federal High Court challenge, the Senate maintained the suspension until its expiration.