The Senate has unsealed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office, signaling an end to her six-month suspension and clearing the path for her return to legislative duties in October.
The Senate has granted embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan access to her office and the National Assembly premises after a prolonged suspension. Vanguard learned on Tuesday that Sergeant-at-Arms officials, backed by security personnel, unsealed her office in the Senate wing following a leadership meeting. A source disclosed that a motion for her apology is expected to be moved when plenary resumes on October 7.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, PDP–Kogi Central, was suspended for six months in March for allegedly breaching Senate Standing Orders after protesting a seat reassignment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Although her suspension lapsed in September, Senate leaders had resisted her return, citing pending legal issues.
In July, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled the suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” ordering her recall. Her lawyer warned of contempt proceedings if access was denied beyond September 15. The Clerk to the National Assembly maintained he lacked authority to override Senate resolutions, but Tuesday’s action indicates a likely full reinstatement next month.