Senator Natasha Akpoti
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central made her return to the Senate chamber on Tuesday, ending a six-month suspension that stemmed from a heated protest earlier in the year over the reassignment of her seat.
She arrived during plenary just as Senate President Godswill Akpabio was delivering his welcome back address to senators at the resumption of proceedings.
Akpoti-Uduaghan quietly took her seat but was met with warm handshakes and greetings from several colleagues, including Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno), and Senator Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto).
Her suspension in March had followed a dramatic standoff in the chamber. At the time, the senator vocally opposed a leadership decision to reassign her seat, claiming it was an intentional slight and an act of political intimidation. Her protest on the floor was deemed “unparliamentary” by Senate leadership, prompting disciplinary action.
In the aftermath, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained unapologetic. Speaking to journalists then, she said, “I owe no apology to the Senate leadership for my conduct.”
The issue sparked public debate, with many questioning whether the punishment was proportionate or politically motivated, given her rising profile and outspoken stance on national issues.
With her return, the senator is expected to rejoin legislative business at full capacity as the National Assembly resumes its duties for the final quarter of the year. How her return will shift dynamics within the chamber remains to be seen, but for now, her re-entry has been marked by quiet dignity and a notably warm reception from peers.
