Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returns to the senate after six months suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her duties at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja yesterday, concluding a six-month suspension that had barred her from office since March. Her return follows a court ruling that deemed the Senate’s disciplinary action excessive and unlawful.
‎
‎The senator, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was officially allowed back into her office after it was reopened by Deputy Director of Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji. The suspension was originally imposed due to allegations of misconduct and failure to comply with seating arrangements during a plenary session earlier this year. However, the Federal High Court overturned the indefinite ban, describing the punishment as disproportionate and lacking proper legal basis.
‎
Despite the judiciary’s decision, the Senate leadership resisted her comeback, also warning her to stay away. An official letter from the National Assembly’s Acting Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, maintained that the suspension remained effective pending further court rulings. Yesterday’s reopening of her office marks a crucial step in resolving the standoff.
‎
‎Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed surprise at not receiving formal notification of the office’s reopening, noting that her last communication from the Assembly indicated she was barred from resuming due to the appeal process. She remains cautious about potential conditions tied to her return, specifically rumors that she might be asked to apologise to the Senate.
‎
‎Meanwhile, the senator’s supporters faced heavy security restrictions outside the Assembly gates. Eyewitnesses reported tear gas was deployed against the crowd, with several people reportedly injured during the attempt to welcome her back.
‎
‎