Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has officially resumed her legislative duties at the National Assembly, ending a six-month suspension that generated nationwide debate and a series of legal actions.
Her return to plenary on Tuesday followed her earlier resumption to office on September 23, marking a full reinstatement after what many described as one of the most controversial suspensions in recent Senate history.
The upper legislative chamber had earlier adjourned its sessions on July 24 for its annual recess, with plans to reconvene on September 23. However, a memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, shifted the resumption date to October 7.
On Tuesday morning, Akpoti-Uduaghan walked confidently into the red chamber, made her way to her seat, and exchanged pleasantries with a few colleagues before proceedings began.
In a show of solidarity, several civil society leaders accompanied her to the National Assembly, including Aisha Yesufu, co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement, who was seen observing proceedings from the Senate gallery.
With her return, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to rejoin committee assignments and resume her legislative advocacy on governance reforms, women’s rights, and social justice issues she has been vocal about since her election.
