Isaac Samuel
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, on Tuesday returned to the Senate, marking the end of a six-month suspension that had caused public debate earlier this year.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who appeared in high spirits, was seen smiling as the Senate reconvened for plenary after a 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over proceedings.
The lawmaker arrived at the National Assembly in the company of a few activists and supporters, including prominent social critic Aisha Yesufu, who observed the session from the gallery.
Some other loyalists who accompanied her were denied entry into the chamber.
Upon entering the red chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan exchanged pleasantries with a few colleagues before taking her seat, symbolising her formal reinstatement after months of absence.
Her suspension, imposed in March 2025, followed a heated protest against the alleged reassignment of her seat by Akpabio during a plenary session on February 20.
She was accused of misconduct over the incident, a charge that drew mixed reactions from the public and civil society groups.
During the suspension period, her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing was sealed off and remained inaccessible until September, when the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, formally reopened it.
