The lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday returned to her office at the National Assembly. Her comeback followed a six-month suspension imposed by Senate leadership.
She accessed her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, after Deputy Director and Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, unlocked it.
“For me, I am glad to be here,” Natasha said during her first appearance in the office after six months.
She stressed that despite the suspension, she never abandoned her legislative duties. “Even though the Senate illegally suspended us, I never hesitated to serve Kogi Central to the best of my ability,” she said.
Although plenary resumes on October 7, 2025, her supporters accompanied her from the FCT High Court to the NASS Complex. They cheered and danced in celebration. Earlier that day, she appeared in court over a defamation case filed by the Federal Government on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
Background to the Suspension
Senate leaders suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly violating standing rules. The decision drew mixed reactions. Civil society groups and opposition leaders condemned it, while the Senate defended its action.
In July, she asked the court to overturn the suspension. Her bid to resume early failed.
She completed her six-month suspension in September and notified the Senate of her plan to return. In response, the lawmakers acknowledged her letter but insisted on awaiting the court’s verdict.
“The matter remains sub judice. Until the judicial process concludes, no administrative action can facilitate your resumption,” the Senate replied.
The suspension began on March 6, 2025, and, according to Senate leaders, would only be reviewed after the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
‘Rules Must Be Obeyed’
Speaking at a capacity-building workshop in Abuja, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Chairman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, defended the chamber’s position.
“The National Assembly is not a banana republic. We operate under rules that must be obeyed. Nigerians need to understand this, and journalists covering the Senate have a key role to play,” Adaramodu told reporters.
Credit: Channels Television
