Natasha prepares for resumption at the Senate

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is set to make a return to the National Assembly later this month following the expiration of her six-month suspension.

Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that she will resume duties when the Senate reconvenes on September 23, 2025.

Speaking with The PUNCH in Abuja, Giwa revealed that Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently on vacation in London but has already made arrangements to return in time for plenary.

“She’s ready to resume her term. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” he said.

The lawyer added that the Senate leadership was not expected to stand in the way of her comeback. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. There is no obstacle at all,” he assured.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which began on March 6, was based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

She was accused of insubordination after rejecting a change of her designated seat during plenary.

As part of the disciplinary measures, she was stripped of her office privileges, aides, and salaries.

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However, the Kogi senator had consistently maintained that her suspension was politically motivated and linked to her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in which she accused him of sexual harassment—a claim the Senate leadership dismissed outright.

Despite her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan pursued legal action challenging the decision.

She secured a judgment that she said favoured her recall, but the Senate leadership insisted that she must serve the full six-month term before returning.

An attempt to force her way back into the National Assembly in July ended in confrontation, as security personnel barred her entry while her supporters rallied outside the gates.

With the expiration of the suspension on Saturday, September 6, Giwa noted that lingering legal disputes would not hinder her reinstatement.

“Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” he said, emphasising that her recall is now straightforward.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s anticipated return is expected to draw attention both within and outside the Senate.

Her allies argue that her resilience underscores her commitment to accountability and women’s representation in Nigerian politics, while critics question her confrontational style.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Senate leadership proved unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu and the media aide of Senate President Akpabio were not returned at the time of filing this report.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption on September 23 will mark the end of a turbulent period in her political journey, during which she has navigated suspension, legal battles, and political controversies.

For many observers, her return will be a test of how well she can rebuild alliances and continue her legislative contributions amidst lingering tensions in the Senate.

Punch