The National Assembly has reopened the sealed office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), raising speculations about her possible return to legislative duties after 6 months of suspension. On Tuesday, the Sergeant-at-Arms, supported by security personnel, unsealed Office 205 in the Senate wing, which had been locked since March. Sources confirmed that the decision …
Senate Reopens Natasha Office Ahead of Resumption
The National Assembly has reopened the sealed office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), raising speculations about her possible return to legislative duties after 6 months of suspension.
On Tuesday, the Sergeant-at-Arms, supported by security personnel, unsealed Office 205 in the Senate wing, which had been locked since March.
Sources confirmed that the decision followed a Senate leadership meeting on Monday.
According to Leadership Newspaper, one source revealed that the chamber plans to move a motion for her to apologise during plenary.
“The Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), is expected to move the motion for her to apologise. Once seconded, it will be considered,” the source said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a former Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, was suspended for six months in March after clashing with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the reassignment of her seat on February 20.
The Senate accused her of breaching its standing orders.
READ ALSO: Court Adjourns Natasha Cybercrime Trial to October 20
Her suspension, which expired in September, was challenged in court.
In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruled that the punishment was “excessive and unconstitutional”, ordering her recall.
The judge noted that prolonged suspensions deprived constituents of representation.
Despite the ruling, Senate leadership insisted she must serve the full term of the suspension and blocked her attempts to return.
READ ALSO: Natasha’s Return to Senate Hits a Brick Wall
Her lawyer, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), wrote to the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, on September 11, demanding her reinstatement.
He warned that failure to recall her by September 15 could result in contempt proceedings, disciplinary sanctions, or other legal actions.
Only the Senate Can Recall Natasha
Responding through his Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, the Clerk maintained that only the Senate had the authority to decide on her resumption.
“My office serves strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the Senate in accordance with their resolutions, standing orders, and the provisions of the Constitution,” Ogunlana explained.
With her office now reopened, attention shifts to the October plenary, where the Senate is expected to decide whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will resume her seat.
The outcome may depend on whether she is required to tender an apology before returning to full legislative duties.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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