October 07, (THEWILL) — The Senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, officially returned to the Senate chamber on Tuesday, to resume plenary sessions after the expiration of a six-month suspension.
The Red Chamber had suspended Natasha for six months on March 6, over alleged misconduct and violation of Senate rules. Her suspension included the withdrawal of her salary, security details, barred access to the National Assembly premises and identifying herself as a senator.
Prior to the suspension, Natasha had filed a petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—allegations which the Senate leadership dismissed.
Natasha’s return follows months of tension between the Senate and stakeholders who challenged her suspension. In July, Natasha approached the courts in an attempt to overturn the suspension, but her bid to resume sitting was unsuccessful. While the case remained before the court, the senator served out the full suspension, which lapsed in September.
Her office, locked for the duration of her suspension, was unsealed on September 23 by the Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, allowing her to resume her legislative duties.
While her case remains in court, political observers say her reinstatement could reignite debates about parliamentary discipline, legislative independence, and the rights of elected representatives.
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