Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, resumed her legislative duties at the National Assembly after months of suspension, labeling Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a “dictator.”
Her return followed the unsealing of her office in the Senate Wing by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji. Upon resuming, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, stating she has “no apology to tender.”
Reflecting on her six-month ordeal, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and emphasized the need to stand firm against injustice. “Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am… it is unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator,” she declared.
The office had been locked since her suspension in March over alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Although her suspension lapsed in September, legal battles delayed her return until now.
A recent court ruling deemed her suspension excessive and unconstitutional, prompting her to notify the Senate of her intention to resume duties, which was initially rebuffed. It remains uncertain if she will fully regain her privileges as a senator when plenary resumes on October 7.
Additionally, the Senate leadership has postponed the resumption of plenary sittings from September 23 to October 7, extending the chamber’s annual recess.
