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Appeal Filings Show Court Didn’t Void Natasha’s Suspension – Akpabio’s Aide

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedAugust 4, 2025

An aide to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kenny Okolugbo, has given fresh insight into the controversy surrounding suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting that the judgment she is relying on to return to the Senate did not nullify her suspension.

Okolugbo, in a statement on Monday, said Natasha’s own documents filed at the Court of Appeal prove this point.

He referenced Ground 23 of her appeal in the case Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly & Others, arguing that it completely contradicts her public claim that the Federal High Court reinstated her.

According to him, Ground 23 of her appeal reads, “The learned trial judge erred in law and abdicated her judicial duty when her Ladyship after rightly adjudging the Appellant’s suspension by the 2nd Respondent for a period of six months as excessive outside the contemplation of the constitution and the enabling act, as well as ultra vires section 63 of the Constitution, failed to expressly make a clear pronouncement SET ASIDE and OR NULLIFY same accordingly.”

Okolugbo said this showed that the trial court never made an order reinstating her, contrary to her narrative.

“She knows very well no such judgment exists. Yet she stormed the National Assembly on the 22nd of July with street urchins and cameras in what was clearly a media stunt. That action was premeditated and deeply irresponsible,” he said.

The aide accused Natasha of deliberately misleading the public and attempting to manipulate public opinion.

“There was no official communication from the court to the Senate Clerk or leadership directing her reinstatement. Instead, she arrived with cameras and supporters in a staged spectacle to create drama,” Okolugbo said.

He stressed that the Senate would have followed proper internal procedures if a valid court order existed, explaining that the Clerk would first communicate the court’s decision to the leadership, which would then deliberate before taking any action.

Addressing criticism directed at Akpabio, Okolugbo maintained that Natasha’s suspension was not personal but rooted in due process.

“It was done in line with Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution and the Senate’s Standing Orders. It followed laid-down procedures, not personal vendetta,” he said.

On resolving the issue, Okolugbo revealed that the Senate had already offered her a pathway to return — a public apology for her conduct on February 20.

“All she needed to do was apologise publicly, and the suspension would have been lifted. Even the Brekete Family advised her to do this, but she refused,” he said.

He also clarified that her suspension had not stopped legislative work for Kogi Central, stating that some of her bills, including one for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre in Ihima, had progressed despite her absence.

Okolugbo further warned that Natasha’s approach could harm female political participation.

“Nigeria has only four female senators. When one of them distorts the truth and weaponises gender for personal gain, it damages credibility and undermines the real struggles of women in politics,” he said.

He also accused some media outlets of sensationalism.

“Some journalists admitted they knew the facts but chose drama instead. We kept quiet, but now that Ground 23 is public, it’s clear she lied,” he added.

Okolugbo concluded by saying the matter could still be resolved if Natasha retracts her claims and apologises.

“But if she continues on this path, the legal process will take its full course,” he warned.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.