The Senate has reiterated that it will not revisit the suspension case involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, insisting the matter is now before the court.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), made this known on Tuesday at a one-day capacity-building workshop for members of the Senate Press Corps in Abuja.
“The matter is in court. It is sub judice. The Senate will not entertain it further within the chamber,” Adaramodu said.
He urged journalists to help the public better understand the Senate’s Standing Rules, stressing that many misconceptions about disciplinary actions stem from ignorance of legislative procedures.
Citing Section 6(1) of the rules, the lawmaker explained that the Senate President has the power to assign or re-assign seats to senators, warning that violations often trigger unnecessary conflicts.
“If a senator assigned to seat number 10 decides to sit in seat number 13, the Senate President is not obligated to recognize them,” he explained. “If the senator insists on recognition, conflict becomes inevitable.”
Adaramodu stressed that the National Assembly is a serious institution governed by law, not a “banana republic” where rules can be ignored.
“Our rules must be obeyed and understood by Nigerians. That understanding comes through your reporting,” he told the Press Corps.
