Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, has criticised the Nigerian Senate for issuing a letter that prevents Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties despite a court ruling on her suspension. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate earlier this year after she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation that triggered controversy within the chamber.

Following her suspension, she sought legal redress at the Federal High Court, which subsequently ruled that the suspension was unlawful and ordered her reinstatement. However, the Senate leadership, through a formal letter, maintained that there was no binding order requiring the senator’s immediate return to plenary.

The chamber argued that it is awaiting certified copies of the judgment before any action can be taken. Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Effiong described the Senate’s position as “contemptuous” and contrary to the principles of democracy. He stated that by issuing a letter to deny Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return, the Senate was undermining judicial authority and depriving the people of Kogi Central of representation.

“This is not only about one lawmaker but also about the constitutional rights of her constituents,” Effiong said, warning that disregard for court judgments could weaken the rule of law and embolden other institutions to act without accountability. The matter has generated widespread public debate.

Civil society groups, women’s rights advocates, and political observers have expressed concern that the Senate’s stance reflects deeper issues of accountability and gender-based discrimination in politics. Campaigns under the banner “We Are All Natasha” have previously drawn attention to her case, calling for her reinstatement and for stronger protections for women in leadership positions.

While Akpoti-Uduaghan has not yet returned to plenary, sources close to her indicate that she is considering further legal options to enforce the judgment. Some reports suggest that she is also awaiting final legal advice and confirmation of the court’s certified documents before making her next move. The Senate leadership, on its part, insists that due process is being followed and has dismissed criticism that it is deliberately delaying the senator’s return. Officials argue that the chamber must ensure all legal requirements are properly documented before allowing her to resume her seat.

The standoff has highlighted tensions between the judiciary and the legislature, with analysts warning that the eventual resolution will serve as a significant test of Nigeria’s separation of powers. For constituents of Kogi Central, the outcome will determine how soon they regain full representation in the Senate.