Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, officially resumed her legislative duties yesterday, entering the Senate chamber at exactly 11:42 a.m.
Her return marks the end of a six-month suspension that had sparked national controversy and legal challenge.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the upper legislative chamber had adjourned plenary on July 24 to proceed on its annual recess, initially scheduled to resume on September 23.
However, according to a memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze—and sighted by LEADERSHIP on September 23—the resumption date was postponed to October 7.
Akpoti-Uduaghan walked into the chamber, made her way to her seat, and after sitting down, exchanged pleasantries with a few colleagues.
She was accompanied to the National Assembly by a number of civil society activists, including Bring Back Our Girls co-convener Aisha Yesufu, who was spotted observing proceedings from the Senate gallery.
However, several of the senator’s supporters were reportedly denied entry into the gallery.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return follows a court ruling that declared her six-month suspension “excessive and unconstitutional.”
The Senate had earlier unsealed her office to pave the way for her return.
Her resumption comes despite earlier resistance from the National Assembly, which had maintained that she remained suspended pending the outcome of ongoing litigation.
The senator’s suspension, first imposed on March 6, cut off her access to her office, security detail, and senatorial allowances.
