Natasha Finally Takes Her Seat In Senate After Weeks Of Speculation

 the lawyer of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has confirmed that the lawmaker will return to the National Assembly later this month following the completion of her six-month suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 after being accused of insubordination for rejecting a designated seat during plenary. The suspension, which was based on the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, also deprived her of legislative aides, office entitlements, and salaries.

Throughout the period, the senator maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a claim that was dismissed by the Senate.

She had challenged the decision in court and secured a judgment she claimed supported her recall. However, Senate leadership insisted that the suspension would run its full course. In July, her attempt to re-enter the National Assembly ended in a confrontation as security operatives prevented her access, despite the presence of supporters outside the complex.

Her counsel, Victor Giwa, revealed in an interview that Akpoti-Uduaghan, currently on vacation in London, has already concluded plans to resume plenary when the Senate reconvenes on September 23. He added that there is no expected resistance to her return, noting that the Senate leadership has indicated readiness to welcome her back.

“With the six months now over, everything is set for her resumption. We have been informed that even the leadership of the Senate is prepared to receive her. The legal matters, at this stage, are no longer obstacles and will only remain as academic exercises,” Giwa stated.