Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has resumed her duties at the National Assembly, ending a six‑month suspension. The People’s Democratic Party senator returned to the Senate chambers on Tuesday at 11:42 a.m., where she was greeted by fellow lawmakers and accompanied by activists such as Aisha Yesufu of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign.
The suspension, imposed in March, stemmed from Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s alleged misconduct during a protest against the reassignment of her seat. Although a Federal High Court judge, Binta Nyako, ruled in July that the six‑month suspension was excessive and unconstitutional and ordered the Senate to recall her, the Senate leadership continued to bar her from all Senate activities. The Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, informed her that the suspension would remain in effect until the Court of Appeal delivered a judgment on her suit against the Senate.
Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa, wrote to Ogunlana urging the clerk to recall the senator and allow her to resume legislative duties, warning that non‑compliance could trigger contempt proceedings and disciplinary action. Ogunlana responded that his office lacked the authority to review or reverse Senate decisions, emphasizing that only the Senate could determine whether the senator could return.
Despite the unresolved legal issues and continued opposition from Senate leadership, Akpoti‑Uduaghan has now re‑entered the National Assembly, a significant development as the Senate prepares to resume plenary sessions. Her return is expected to have broader implications for the legislative body and the country, and observers will be closely watching how the situation unfolds. With the legal challenges and leadership opposition still pending, the senator’s future in the Senate remains uncertain, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days.
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