The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, officially resumed plenary at the National Assembly after several months of suspension.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return follows the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared her earlier suspension by the Senate as unconstitutional, null, and void. The court, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, had in July ordered her immediate reinstatement, ruling that her suspension deprived the people of Kogi Central of representation at the National Assembly.
Her suspension, which lasted six months, stemmed from allegations of misconduct and what the Senate described as “unruly behavior” during plenary. The lawmaker was accused of using abusive language and refusing to comply with seating arrangements directed by the leadership of the Senate.
However, the controversy surrounding her suspension deepened after she accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment — an allegation Akpabio denied. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges dismissed her petition on procedural grounds, leading to widespread public outcry and accusations of political victimization.
Upon resumption on Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen exchanging pleasantries with colleagues at the red chamber. Supporters and activists, including human rights advocate Aisha Yesufu, accompanied her to the National Assembly complex, although they were not allowed into the plenary gallery.
Before her return, the court also ordered the senator to pay a fine of ₦5 million and tender a written apology for contempt of court over a satirical post made on social media during the period of her suspension.
The Senate leadership had previously insisted that her reinstatement could not take effect until the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment was received and administrative procedures were completed. But with the expiration of the six-month suspension and court affirmation of her mandate, the Kogi-born lawmaker has now reclaimed her seat.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement marks the end of a months-long legal and political battle that sparked national debates on legislative discipline, women’s rights, and the balance between parliamentary autonomy and judicial oversight in Nigeria’s democracy.