The legal counsel for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Victor Giwa, has confirmed that the lawmaker will return to the National Assembly later this month to resume her duties. Her return comes after the expiration of her six-month suspension, which ended on Saturday, September 7, 2025.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6 following allegations of insubordination after she rejected a designated seat during a plenary session. The suspension resulted in her losing her salaries and privileges and was based on recommendations from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. The lawmaker had consistently maintained that her suspension was linked to a separate petition she filed against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a claim the Senate dismissed.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Giwa stated that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently on vacation in London but has made plans to return for the Senate’s next session, scheduled for September 23.
“She’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said. He added that the Senate leadership has indicated its readiness to welcome her back, and he does not anticipate any obstacles to her return.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had previously challenged her suspension in court, securing a judgment she said favored her return. However, the Senate leadership insisted she would serve out the entire six-month period. A prior attempt by the Senator to force her way back into the National Assembly in July resulted in a standoff with security operatives.
According to her lawyer, with the suspension period now over, all pending legal issues will be resolved, paving the way for her seamless return to legislative duties.
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