HomePoliticsAkpoti-Uduaghan Set to Return After Six-Month Senate Suspension

Akpoti-Uduaghan Set to Return After Six-Month Senate Suspension

Published on


KEY POINTS


  • Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan expected to resume Senate plenary today.
  • Her lawyer warns against any move to block her.
  • The senator says she has no apology to tender.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to return to plenary today after serving a six-month suspension that has sparked legal battles and public debate over internal accountability in the National Assembly.

Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed the development in an interview with The PUNCH, saying the lawmaker has fully served her sanction and is constitutionally entitled to resume duties.

Lawyer warns Senate against fresh obstruction

The Senate had postponed its resumption from September 23 to October 7, extending its annual recess by two weeks and delaying deliberations on key national issues.

Giwa said any attempt to block Akpoti-Uduaghan from rejoining the chamber would contradict the Senate’s own resolution. “Our client should just go straight and resume on Tuesday,” he said. “Anything else is an opinion. The Senate cannot legalise illegality.”

He warned that preventing her entry would plunge the legislature into “total chaos,” insisting that the suspension’s six-month duration had already expired.

Senator stands firm after suspension ordeal

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, called Senate President Godswill Akpabio a “dictator” two weeks ago after gaining access to her sealed office for the first time since March.

The National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms reopened her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, marking the end of her suspension. “It is amazing how much we have had to endure,” she said. “We survived blackmail and recall attempts. No one is more Nigerian than us.”

She added that she had “no apology to tender,” accusing the Senate leadership of high-handedness and discrimination.

Suspension rooted in leadership dispute

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, imposed on March 6, followed a heated protest over the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Akpabio. The chamber cited misconduct but did not disclose the details of the disciplinary process.

Although her suspension technically expired in September, procedural delays and internal pushback stalled her full return. Efforts to reach Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and Akpabio’s media aide for comment were unsuccessful.

As the National Assembly ends its recess, observers are watching the red chamber to see if members will allow the outspoken senator to return to plenary without resistance.

Latest articles

NIPCO to Acquire 19 Percent Stake in Savannah Energy

NIPCO Plc will acquire a 19 percent stake in Savannah Energy Plc, strengthening the Kansagra family’s position in Nigeria’s growing gas sector.

Aradel Raises ND Western Stake to 81.7 Percent

Aradel boosts its stake in ND Western to 81.67 percent, reinforcing its upstream dominance and expanding its role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Nigeria Approves $1 Billion to Modernize Lagos Seaports

Nigeria has approved $1 billion to modernize the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, a major step in its maritime reform plan led by the Chagoury Group’s ITB Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Educators Push for Early Sex Education Reform

Educators and parents across Nigeria are calling for early sex education to be prioritized in schools to empower adolescents.

More like this

NIPCO to Acquire 19 Percent Stake in Savannah Energy

NIPCO Plc will acquire a 19 percent stake in Savannah Energy Plc, strengthening the Kansagra family’s position in Nigeria’s growing gas sector.

Aradel Raises ND Western Stake to 81.7 Percent

Aradel boosts its stake in ND Western to 81.67 percent, reinforcing its upstream dominance and expanding its role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Nigeria Approves $1 Billion to Modernize Lagos Seaports

Nigeria has approved $1 billion to modernize the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, a major step in its maritime reform plan led by the Chagoury Group’s ITB Nigeria.