Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, officially resumed legislative duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday after a six-month suspension, launching a scathing criticism of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she described as a “dictator.”
Her return followed the unsealing of her office — Suite 2.05 in the Senate wing — by Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, bringing to a close one of the most contentious episodes of the 10th Senate.
“I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office. The office is hereby unsealed,” Adedeji declared in a video shared on Tuesday.
Speaking shortly after regaining access, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, insisting she had “no apology to tender” to the Senate leadership despite months of political pressure and legal battles.
“In retrospect, it is amazing what we had to endure over the past six months — from the unjust suspension to the recall, the blackmail, and even that crazy lady on Facebook,” she said. “We survived it all, and I give glory to God and my deepest appreciation to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large.
“We cannot cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were a servant in his house. It is so unfortunate that we have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”
Long Suspension and Legal Battle
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, for alleged misconduct after she protested the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio during a plenary session on February 20. Her suspension, which barred her from all Senate activities for six months, expired in September.
However, efforts to resume were stalled by legal disputes and continued resistance from the Senate leadership. On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was “excessive and unconstitutional,” and ordered the Senate to reinstate her, citing the constitutional right of her constituents to representation.
Despite the ruling, the National Assembly initially ignored her formal notice of intent to return. The unsealing of her office on Tuesday is seen as a significant step toward her reinstatement, though it remains unclear whether she will be allowed to participate fully in plenary sessions when lawmakers reconvene on October 7.
Senate Delays Resumption Amid Tensions
Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has shifted the date for resuming plenary from September 23 to October 7, extending its annual recess by two weeks. The change was communicated in an internal memo signed by Chinedu Akubueze, Chief of Staff to the Senate President.
“This is to respectfully inform distinguished senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025,” the memo stated. “Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted.”
While no official reason was provided, sources told our correspondent that the delay was partly intended to allow senators to fully observe Independence Day celebrations on October 1.
The Senate had adjourned on July 24 for its annual recess, with Akpabio citing “chamber reciprocity” after the House of Representatives embarked on its own break. The latest shift means key legislative business — including oversight hearings, executive confirmations, and debates on pending motions — will remain on hold until next month.
As the Senate prepares to reconvene, all eyes will be on how Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return reshapes the dynamics within the Red Chamber — and whether her renewed presence will deepen existing divisions in Nigeria’s upper legislature.
