Sen. Natasha to return to senate September 23 after suspension drama

Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is expected to return to plenary later this month following the end of her six-month suspension from the National Assembly.

Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed the development in Abuja, explaining that the lawmaker, who is currently in London on vacation, is preparing to rejoin her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.

“She’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London at the moment, but everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa told PUNCH.

He added that there were no indications that the Senate leadership would resist her return.

“We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So there is no obstacle at all,” he said.

Natasha Akpoti was suspended on March 6 over allegations of insubordination after rejecting a reassignment of her designated seat during plenary.

Acting on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, the suspension stripped her of office privileges, aides, and salaries.

The senator had claimed that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment—a claim the Senate dismissed.

Although she secured a court ruling she claimed supported her recall, the Senate insisted that the disciplinary measure would run its full six-month course.

Her attempt to return to the chamber in July was blocked by security operatives, sparking a confrontation as supporters rallied outside the National Assembly.

With her suspension officially ending last Saturday, Giwa stressed that ongoing legal disputes would not stop her reinstatement.

“Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” he said.

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