Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday resumed plenary after the expiration of the six-month suspension imposed on her by the Senate on March 6, 2025. The Senate had suspended her for what it described as “unparliamentary behaviour” and a breach of Senate rules, following a series of altercations with Senate President Godswill Akpabio after her seat position was changed.
Clad in a white outfit, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) quietly took her reassigned seat before the commencement of plenary. Several colleagues approached to exchange pleasantries as she settled in.
According to Njenje Media News, no motion was raised to formally readmit her to the chamber, nor was there any confrontation with Senate President Akpabio, who entered through the back entrance moments after the leadership procession had gone in through the main door. Akpabio later took over proceedings from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who had begun the session.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return came amid tight security and heightened anticipation following her controversial suspension. The senator had earlier resumed duties at her office in the National Assembly complex on September 23, after it had been sealed since July.
Speaking with journalists at the time, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she would refuse any demand to apologise as a condition for her reinstatement. She said, “I read somewhere that a leadership meeting was held yesterday, and the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, would on October 7 read a motion calling on me to apologise. I am actually worried as to what apology they expect from me. You can’t apologise for an injustice.”
As Njenje Media News observed, nothing of that sort came up during Tuesday’s plenary session.
