Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has officially returned to the Senate, after a six-month suspension. She resumed after the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji removed the seal on her office.
In a media chat, Natasha referred to the Senate President/Governor Godswill Akpabio as a “dictator.” She accused the leader of the senate of trying to silence her down and insisted that no one would stop her from saying what she feels if it is not a criminal act. She said she would keep speaking out against what she termed injustices and abuse of power.
Natasha was suspended from the Senate March 6, 2025 after allegations of misconduct during a demonstration against her seating change. Even though her official suspension expired, her return was delayed by legal hurdles and resistance from Senate leadership. A Federal High Court ruling in July declared the suspension excessive and a violation of her rights.
Upon her resuming, Natasha acknowledged the suffering and inconvenience during the suspension time, including intimidation, threats and unjustified attacks. She, however, expressed gratitude to her constituents for their support all through the period. Most importantly, she stressed that accountability must apply to all members of the Senate, the president inclusive.
It is still uncertain if all her parliamentary privileges, were reinstated fully, including plenary participation. The Senate has rescheduled sittings to October 7 to determine her legislative role.
Her return further ignites earlier conversations about internal governance, justice, and fairness constitutionally and otherwise in the National Assembly. As the stand-off between Natasha and Senate leadership lingers, most Nigerians are watching closely to see how this plays out.
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