Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is set to return to the National Assembly later this month following the expiration of her six-month suspension.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that the lawmaker, currently in London on vacation, has completed all necessary arrangements to resume plenary when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
“Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said, assuring that Senate leadership would not obstruct her return.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 over allegations of insubordination after rejecting a reassignment of her designated seat in plenary. The suspension, recommended by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, salaries, and office entitlements.
The senator had consistently maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation dismissed by the Senate.
Although she secured a court ruling in her favour, the Senate leadership insisted she must serve out the six-month penalty. Her earlier attempt to return in July ended in confrontation, as security operatives prevented her entry.
With the suspension now expired, her lawyer said that lingering court disputes would no longer affect her mandate.
“Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” Giwa stated.
