Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan To Resume Senate Sept 23 – Lawyer
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is set to return to the National Assembly later this month following the completion of her six-month suspension, her lawyer has confirmed.
Victor Giwa, her legal counsel, told PUNCH in Abuja that Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently in London, has made arrangements to resume plenary alongside her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said.
He further assured that the Senate leadership is not expected to block her return. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” he added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following allegations of insubordination after she resisted a change to her designated seat during plenary. The suspension, which was based on recommendations by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also revoked her aides, office privileges, and salaries.
The senator had maintained that her suspension was linked to her sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a claim the Senate had dismissed. She later challenged the suspension in court and secured a ruling she said favoured her recall.
Despite her legal victory, the Senate maintained that she would remain suspended until the full six months elapsed. An earlier attempt to return in July ended in a standoff, with security operatives preventing her entry while supporters gathered outside.
With the suspension now over, Giwa said ongoing legal disputes would not hinder her return. “Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” he said.
Attempts to get a comment from the Senate leadership were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu and Akpabio’s media aide went unanswered.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
