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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has announced that she will return to plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in accordance with a court ruling, despite an appeal from Senate President Godswill Akpabio against the decision.
In an interview conducted while she was in her constituency for a training program on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she had formally informed the Senate of her intention to return. “I have about two months remaining before the six months deadline.
Nevertheless, I have once again communicated with the Senate that I will be resuming on the 22nd, which falls on Tuesday, by the special grace of God. “I will attend because the court did make this decision. They argue it’s merely an order, but it is a decision,” she asserted.
The lawmaker, who faced suspension in March, insisted that while the suspension did not prevent her from executing projects for her constituents, it limited her capacity to perform essential legislative tasks such as sponsoring bills and making motions.
She noted, "Every senator has three main roles: legislative, which involves creating laws and reviewing treaties; oversight, to monitor ministers and agencies; and representation, which I am actively engaged in. “I identify the issues and challenges within my community and ensure they are addressed in the federal budget.
I have managed to do quite well in that regard. Naturally, I miss introducing my bills, but it hasn’t stopped me from working.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended due to alleged misconduct, a decision that her legal team contested in court. A recent ruling deemed her suspension illegal, yet the Senate has filed an appeal, which the senator claims will not inhibit her return.
Her upcoming return is poised to create a new conflict in the Red Chamber as she insists on her constitutional right to representation.
