After months of legal battles, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returns to plenary today as the Senate resumes after a three-month recess.
This newspaper recalls that the upper legislative chamber had adjourned sitting on July 24 to embark on its annual break, with an initial resumption date set for September 23.
However, a memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, on September 23, announced a shift in the resumption date to October 7.
Meanwhile, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is expected to return to plenary today after serving a six-month suspension.
The lawmaker was suspended on March 6 for alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the chamber’s seating arrangement during the February 20 plenary session.
Although the Senate leadership had said the suspension could be lifted earlier if she tendered a written apology, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not do so.
Instead, she accused the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment — a development that sparked a series of legal battles during her suspension.
Following the completion of the suspension period, the National Assembly on September 23 unsealed her office located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing.
Shortly after her return, the Senate President’s Communications Consultant, Kenny Okolugbo, said that the Senate would decide today, October 7, whether Akpoti-Uduaghan can fully resume her official duties.
Security has been heightened around the National Assembly complex to forestall any protest.
The management of the National Assembly on Sunday also cautioned against picketing, following threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to embark on industrial action over unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting staff.