Embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is expected to resume plenary later this month as her six-month suspension from the National Assembly has officially expired.
Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed the development, noting that the lawmaker, who is currently vacationing in London, is preparing to rejoin her colleagues when the Senate reconvenes on September 23.
“She’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London at the moment, but everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa told PUNCH.
He added that the Senate leadership is not expected to oppose her return. “We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So there is no obstacle at all,” he said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 over alleged insubordination after rejecting a reassignment of her designated seat. The suspension, enforced on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, stripped her of office privileges, aides, and salaries.
The senator maintained that her suspension was politically motivated, linking it to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation the Senate dismissed.
Although a court ruling supported her recall, the Senate insisted she would serve the full six-month penalty. Her attempt to return in July was blocked by security operatives, sparking a confrontation with her supporters.
With her suspension now over, Giwa emphasized that legal disputes would not hinder her return.
“Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” he said.
