Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, is expected to return to the Senate later this month following the completion of her six-month suspension, her lawyer has confirmed.
Speaking in Abuja, her counsel Victor Giwa revealed that the lawmaker, who is currently on vacation in London, has already made arrangements to resume plenary when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
“She’s ready to resume her duties. The six months suspension has elapsed, and all is in place for her return. She is in London at the moment but will be back in time for plenary. From what we know, there are no obstacles from the Senate leadership,” Giwa told The PUNCH.
Recall that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after she allegedly refused to comply with a directive to change her designated seat on the floor of the Senate. The suspension, which was based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, salaries and access to official office facilities.
Throughout the ordeal, the senator maintained that her punishment was politically motivated, linking it to her earlier petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate dismissed.
Akpoti-Uduaghan later challenged her suspension in court and announced that she had secured a judgment in her favour. However, the Senate leadership insisted she would remain suspended until the six-month term expired.
In July, the lawmaker attempted to return to the National Assembly but was denied entry by security operatives, sparking a standoff as her supporters rallied outside the complex.
With the expiration of her suspension last Saturday, her lawyer stressed that legal disputes would not hinder her comeback.
“Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will eventually become academic exercises,” Giwa assured.
The efforts by our correspondence to get official confirmation from the Senate leadership proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu and the media aide to Senate President Akpabio were not responded to.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return is expected to reignite debates within the Red Chamber, as her suspension remains one of the most controversial disciplinary actions in the current Senate Assembly.
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