By Atoyebi Nike
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has resumed her legislative duties at the National Assembly after months of suspension, describing Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a “dictator.”
Her return followed the unsealing of her office by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, after a Federal High Court in Abuja declared her suspension excessive and unconstitutional.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended in March for alleged misconduct, insisted she owed no apology and accused Akpabio of treating her like “a servant or domestic staff.” She added, “It is so unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly being run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”
Although her six-month suspension formally ended in September, legal hurdles delayed her resumption. It remains unclear whether Tuesday’s development restores her full privileges as a senator when plenary reconvenes.
Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has shifted its resumption of plenary from September 23 to October 7, citing the need to accommodate Independence Day celebrations. The postponement prolongs the annual recess and delays pending legislative debates and oversight duties.
