The Nigerian Senate has finally unsealed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's office and granted her access to the National Assembly premises. This development comes after a prolonged standoff between Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
*Background of the Imbroglio*
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March for allegedly contravening the Senate's Standing Orders.
- A Federal High Court in Abuja later ruled that the suspension was "excessive and unconstitutional" and ordered her recall.
- Despite the court verdict, the Senate insisted she must serve her full suspension.
*Current Development*
- The Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, backed by combined security personnel, reopened Akpoti-Uduaghan's Office 205 in the Senate wing on Tuesday.
- This move restores her access to the National Assembly premises and paves the way for her possible return to plenary when lawmakers resume on October 7, 2025.
- A motion will be moved, and Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South, will move the motion for her to apologize, then seconded, and it will be taken ¹ ².
*Next Steps*
- All eyes are now on the Senate's plenary session in October to see whether the motion for her return will be taken and whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will be required to tender an apology before reclaiming her seat in the chamber ¹.
