Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has resumed her duties at the National Assembly, marking the end of her six-month suspension. The senator, who is a member of the People’s Democratic Party, returned to the Senate chambers on Tuesday at 11:42 am, where she was greeted by fellow lawmakers and accompanied by several activists, including Aisha Yesufu of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign.

The suspension, which was imposed in March, stemmed from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat. Despite the suspension being lifted, the senator faced ongoing legal issues and opposition from the Senate leadership, which had barred her from participating in all Senate activities.

In July, a Federal High Court judge, Binta Nyako, ruled that the six-month suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, ordering the Senate to recall the senator. However, the Senate maintained that Akpoti-Uduaghan must serve her full term, and the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, informed her that her suspension remained in effect until the Court of Appeal delivered a judgment in her suit against the Senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa, had written to Ogunlana, urging him to recall the senator and allow her to resume her legislative duties. The lawyer warned that failure to comply would lead to further action, including contempt proceedings and disciplinary action.

In response, Ogunlana stated that his office lacked the authority to review or reverse Senate decisions, emphasizing that the determination of whether Akpoti-Uduaghan could resume her duties lay solely with the Senate. Despite this, the senator has now returned to the National Assembly, marking a significant development in the ongoing saga.

The resumption of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s duties comes as the Senate prepares to resume plenary sessions, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The senator’s return to the National Assembly is likely to have implications for the legislative body and the country as a whole, and it will be closely watched by observers and stakeholders. With the legal issues and opposition from the Senate leadership still unresolved, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s future in the Senate remains uncertain, and further developments are expected in the coming days.