The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is expected to officially resume plenary today (Tuesday) alongside other lawmakers of the National Assembly after serving up her 6 months suspension.
The confirmation came from one of her lawyers, Victor Giwa, who spoke in an interview with The PUNCH. He assured that the senator’s return to legislative duties would proceed without obstruction.
The Senate had earlier postponed its resumption from September 23 to October 7, 2025, extending its annual recess by two weeks. The delay stalled discussions on several key national issues awaiting deliberation in the upper chamber.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has cautioned against any attempt to prevent her from taking her seat, noting that she has fully served any prior disciplinary action and retains her constitutional right to resume legislative responsibilities.
Giwa expressed optimism about the senator’s return, stating that “the worst is over.” He emphasised that any further delay or obstruction would be unconstitutional.
“To me, our client should just go straight and resume on Tuesday. Anything else they say is just an opinion,” he said.
Citing human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Giwa argued that the Senate must act within the bounds of legality, warning that the National Assembly should not be “an institution that legalises illegality.”
He added, “You cannot muscle up the National Assembly to be at the dictates of a few persons. The National Assembly is a creation of law, and its actions must be determined by law, not by the whims of the leadership.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s anticipated return is expected to spark interest on the Senate floor, given the political tensions surrounding her recent suspension and the debates it has stirred over legislative authority and due process.
