ABUJA: The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday made a return to the Senate chamber after serving a six-month suspension imposed earlier in the year.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen smiling as the upper chamber resumed plenary following a ten-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the session.
She was accompanied by a group of activists and loyalists, including Aisha Yesufu, who was spotted in the gallery, although several others were denied entry. Upon arrival, the senator exchanged pleasantries with a few of her colleagues before settling into her seat.
Her reinstatement marks the end of a high-profile suspension that had stirred public controversy. The lawmaker was suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat by the Senate President on February 20.
Following the suspension, her office at Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing was sealed off on March 6, but it was recently reopened by Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, paving the way for her official return.
Two weeks ago, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of acting like a dictator after she was permitted access to her office.
Tuesday’s plenary recorded a full attendance of lawmakers, signalling the resumption of full legislative business.
