The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly after over six months of suspension, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the chamber like a dictator.
Her return followed the unsealing of her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, who was recorded removing the seal placed on the office since March.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who addressed journalists shortly after resumption, maintained she had “no apology to tender” over the events that triggered her suspension.
She accused Akpabio of highhandedness, alleging that he treated her as if she were a domestic staff rather than a fellow senator.
“It is unfortunate that the National Assembly is being run by such a dictator. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. We cannot cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than another,” she said.
The lawmaker expressed gratitude to her constituents and family members for standing by her during what she described as an unjust ordeal, adding that her husband’s support kept her firm throughout the suspension.
The row between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President began on February 20, 2025, when she protested the reassignment of her seat. The protest led to heated exchanges on the floor, and the Senate leadership subsequently suspended her on March 6, citing misconduct. Her office was sealed the same day.
The suspension, which was meant to last six months, later became a legal battle. On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the punishment excessive and unconstitutional, ruling that her fundamental rights had been violated.
Despite this judgment, Senate leadership resisted her return, leaving her in limbo for months.
During this period, she formally wrote to the Senate notifying them of her intention to resume duties, but her request was ignored. She also publicly accused Akpabio of deliberately frustrating her reinstatement.
Tuesday’s unsealing of her office marks her first formal return since March, though questions remain over whether she has regained full privileges as a senator. Plenary is not scheduled to reconvene until October 7, following an adjustment in the Senate’s legislative calendar.
The chamber had earlier adjourned plenary on July 24 for its annual recess. Resumption, initially fixed for September 23, was later shifted by two weeks in a memo signed by Chinedu Akubueze, Chief of Staff to the Senate President.
Although no official reason was provided, sources in the National Assembly linked the postponement to preparations for the Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
The delay has, however, raised concerns about the backlog of pending motions, oversight activities, and executive confirmations awaiting consideration.
With plenary now due to resume in October, all eyes are on whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will be allowed to take her seat alongside her colleagues or if the confrontation with Senate leadership will persist.
