Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, has called on the Nigerian Senate to permit Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties, insisting that the upper chamber is overreaching by linking her return to the outcome of her ongoing court case.

In a statement Adegboruwa argued that the senator has already served the six-month suspension imposed on her, and that the Senate lacks legal authority to extend it without a formal resolution. He noted that the suspension was time-bound, and its completion should automatically entitle her to resume her functions.

“The case pending in court cannot be a reason to extend her suspension illegally,” Adegboruwa said, emphasizing that the court proceedings only concern the validity and constitutionality of the six-month suspension, and do not grant the Senate the power to prolong it.

He further noted that the trial court had previously clarified that the suspension should not exceed the usual sitting days of the Senate for a session. “To refuse her resumption after the six months period will be to make the suspension indefinite,” he said.

Highlighting the wider implications for democratic representation, Adegboruwa stressed that the issue affects the rights and privileges of the constituency represented by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, comprising millions of voters. “The purpose of the suspension having been fulfilled, no useful purpose will be served to deny her from resuming duties as a Senator,” he added.

Adegboruwa concluded that any ongoing court determination can only relate to the legality of the suspension and entitlements, but cannot undo the time already served or prevent the senator from participating in Senate sessions going forward.

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