Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has resumed duties at the National Assembly six months after her suspension, though she disclosed she has yet to receive formal notification of her reinstatement.
Her office at Suite 205, Senate Wing, was unsealed by the Sergeant-at-Arms on Tuesday, paving the way for her return.
Speaking with journalists before entering her office, Akpoti-Uduaghan said:
“While we were in court, I read in the news that our office had been opened. I even saw a video of the clerk himself unlocking the door. As at this moment, I have not been officially communicated to. I expect an institution like the National Assembly to follow administrative procedures, with written communication.”
She recalled that the last correspondence from the clerk stated she was not allowed to resume, as the matter was within the Senate’s purview. Nonetheless, she confirmed her intention to spend a few minutes in the office.
Her return drew mild drama at the Senate wing entrance, as supporters attempted to follow her inside. Urging calm, the senator appealed:
“Those of you who want to come, it is your office, your right to be there, just as it is your right to be here in the people’s parliament. But I ask that you remain quiet and calm. Your voices have been heard, your actions have been loud. Nigerians are proud of you, I am proud of you, and our ancestors are proud of you. Now, I will simply walk in.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year over alleged breaches of Senate standing rules.
On July 4, however, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that her suspension was “excessive and unconstitutional,” urging the Senate to reconsider her reinstatement.
Despite the ruling, the National Assembly management maintained that her return required either a new Senate resolution or a definitive court order.
Tuesday’s resumption was the first time the senator accessed her office since her suspension.