Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central is preparing to return to her legislative duties at the Senate following the expiration of her six-month suspension. Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that the senator, who is currently in London on leave, will resume when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
Giwa disclosed that all arrangements have been made for her comeback and that there are no indications of resistance from the Senate leadership. He noted that Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to be fully welcomed back once she returns to the National Assembly.
The senator was suspended on March 6 after the Senate adopted recommendations from its Ethics Committee. During the suspension, she lost access to her office, staff, and salary. While the official reason cited was her rejection of a reassigned seat during plenary, many believe the move was linked to her earlier sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—an accusation the Senate has consistently denied.
Although Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged her suspension in court and initially secured a favorable ruling, the Senate continued to enforce the full six-month term. In July, she attempted to gain entry into the National Assembly but was barred by security operatives despite support from her constituents who had accompanied her.
With her suspension now over, her lawyer stressed that any pending legal matters concerning the issue have become less relevant and will not hinder her return. Meanwhile, efforts to obtain comments from Senate leadership on the matter were unsuccessful.
