The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday resumed her duties at the National Assembly after six months of suspension, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the chamber like a “dictator.”
Her return followed the official unsealing of her office (Suite 2.05, Senate Wing) by Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, who declared: “The office is hereby unsealed.”
“No Apology to Tender”
Speaking to reporters, Natasha remained defiant, saying:
“In retrospect, it is amazing how much we have had to pay in the past six months, from the unjust suspension to the recall. But we survived the recall, blackmail, and that crazy lady on Facebook. I have no apology to tender.”
She praised her supporters, especially her husband and constituents, while stressing that Akpabio’s leadership was oppressive.
“Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were a servant or domestic staff in his house. It is so unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”
Background to the Suspension
Natasha was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a confrontation with Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat on February 20. The Senate imposed a six-month suspension for alleged misconduct, locking her out of chamber activities and sealing her office.
On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension excessive and unconstitutional. Despite the ruling, she was unable to resume immediately due to resistance from Senate leadership.
Legal Tussle and Political Implications
Although Natasha’s suspension formally expired in September, her eventual return on Tuesday marked a victory in her prolonged standoff with Senate leadership. However, it remains unclear whether she will regain full privileges as a senator when plenary resumes.
The Senate leadership has also shifted plenary resumption from September 23 to October 7, 2025, citing adjustments to allow lawmakers to fully observe Independence Day celebrations.
An internal memo signed by Chinedu Akubueze, Chief of Staff to Akpabio, apologised for the short notice:
“The resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025. Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted.”
What Next?
The extension means that critical debates and oversight inquiries into government spending and executive appointments will remain on hold. For Natasha, however, her fiery comeback signals a renewed determination to challenge what she describes as dictatorship in the upper chamber.
