Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resumed duty at the Senate after a six-month suspension.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Natasha resumed duty at the Senate just hours after officials of the National Assembly unsealed her office.
It was gathered that the move, executed by the Sergeant at Arms alongside security personnel, restores access to her Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing, just weeks before lawmakers are slated to resume plenary sessions on October 7.
Natasha, one of only four female senators in the 109-member chamber, wasted no time in resuming duty.
She stormed the National Assembly complex with hundreds of supporters.
Addressing the press after arriving at the National Assembly complex, Natasha declared that she owed no apologies for standing against what she described as institutional harassment.
She also noted that no formal communication had been issued to her about her reinstatement.
She stated: “While we were in court, I read in the news that our office had been opened. I even saw a video of the clerk himself unlocking the door.
“As of this moment, I have not been officially communicated to. I expect an institution like the National Assembly to follow administrative procedures, with written communication.
“The last correspondence we received from the clerk stated that we were not allowed to resume, as it was within the purview of the Senate. But we are here today, and I intend to spend a few minutes in the office.”
However, Natasha’s return led to a mild drama at the entrance to the senate wing as her supporters insisted on accompanying her inside. She then asked them to remain calm.
“Those of you who want to come, it is your office, your right to be there, just as it is your right to be here in the people’s parliament. But I ask that you remain quiet and calm,” she said.
“Your voices have been heard, your actions have been loud. Nigerians are proud of you, I am proud of you, and our ancestors are proud of you. Now, I will simply walk in.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Natasha resumed duty at the Senate after the red chamber had initially announced its decision to block her return.
The Senate cited ongoing legal and procedural hurdles as the reason for the decision despite the expiration of her six-month suspension.
The suspension had expired on September 6, 2025, and Natasha proceeded to announce her intention to resume legislative duties.
However, in a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the Senate, while acknowledging Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification of her intention to return to the chamber, maintained that the suspension was not over.
The statement explained that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return is prevented by an ongoing lawsuit.
The letter read in part: “The matter, therefore, remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in the light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption.”
It further assured that the embattled lawmaker would be duly notified of the Senate’s final decision once the court delivers its ruling.
However, the move was criticised by many who said that the Senate has no right to block the resumption of Natasha, having completed the six-month suspension.
Recall also that Natasha’s saga began following a dramatic confrontation with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio during Senate proceedings.
The incident stemmed from a dispute over seat allocation.
Natasha had refused to relocate from her designated position, accusing the President of the Senate of alleged discriminatory practices aimed at silencing her voice.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions subsequently deemed her actions as “insubordination” and “unruly conduct,” recommending a penalty, which included suspension, withdrawal of her aides, office access, salary, and security detail.
The suspension quickly escalated into a huge controversy when Natasha claimed that her suspension had to do with an earlier allegation she had made against Akpabio for alleged sexual harassment—a claim the Senate dismissed as unsubstantiated.
