KEY POINTS
- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes duties after six-month suspension.
- Senator brands Senate President Akpabio a “dictator.”
- Federal High Court earlier ruled suspension unconstitutional.
After months of suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday resumed duties at the National Assembly, lashing out at Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she branded a “dictator.”
Following a report of her comeback by The Nigerian Inquirer, and the unsealing of her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing by Sergeant-at-Arms officials. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central under the opposition People’s Democratic Party, said she had “no apology to tender” despite pressure from Senate leadership.
Court ruled suspension unconstitutional
The senator was suspended in March for protesting the reassignment of her seat, a move Akpabio ordered. She was barred from all Senate activities for six months. In July, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” saying it denied her constituents representation.
Despite the ruling, Akpoti-Uduaghan was blocked from resuming duties until now. Her office had remained sealed since March 6. On Tuesday, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, formally removed the lock, saying: “The office is hereby unsealed.”
Defiance in face of leadership pressure
Speaking to reporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of running the National Assembly like a personal estate. “He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were domestic staff in his house,” she said. “It is totally unacceptable.”
She also thanked her supporters, constituents, and husband, adding that her ordeal had tested institutional accountability.
Senate delays plenary resumption
Her return coincides with fresh delays to the Senate’s resumption of plenary. A memo signed by Senate President’s Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze, announced that plenary sittings would now resume on October 7 instead of September 23. No official explanation was given, but sources cited plans to allow lawmakers to observe Independence Day celebrations.
The prolonged recess pushes back debates on oversight inquiries and pending motions, further heightening tensions in a chamber already divided over Akpabio’s leadership style.
