The Senate resumed plenary on Tuesday after a 10-week recess, with notably with the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Natasha officially resumed Tuesday, after her six-month suspension following a clash with Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment.
She was spotted walking into the Senate chambers and exchanging pleasantries with some senators.
Natasha was accompanied by some activists to the Senate, including Bring Back Our Girls campaigner Aisha Yesufu, among others.
But her supporters and lawyers were not allowed into plenary.
She was spotted walking into the Senate chambers and exchanging pleasantries with some senators.
Natasha was accompanied by some activists to the Senate, including Bring Back Our Girls campaigner Aisha Yesufu, among others.
But her supporters and lawyers were not allowed into plenary.
Senator Akpabio delivered a charge in his opening address, urging lawmakers to recommit themselves to accountability, discipline and purposeful governance.
She was suspended in March over the alleged violation of the Senate’s standing rules, a decision that sparked mixed reactions.
Civil society organisations and opposition politicians condemned the Senate’s action, but the upper chamber defended its decision.
The PDP senator had approached the court in July over the matter and made an unsuccessful attempt to resume sitting.
While the matter is still in court, the lawmaker served out her six-month suspension in September and declared her intention to return to her duty.
She wrote to the Senate, informing it of her intention to resume, but the lawmakers, while acknowledging her letter, said they would not take action on it until the end of the court process.
After six months under lock and key, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office was finally unsealed on September 23, enabling her to return to her office.
Addressing his colleagues in the red chamber, Senator Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s responsibility to the Nigerian people, stating that “To the citizens of Nigeria, we hear you. You asked us not for excuses, but for results. We will remain accountable and responsive”.
On July 24, both the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives adjourned for their annual legislative recess.
However, ad hoc and standing committees were advised to continue their work during the break. The Senate President also encouraged senators to use the period to finalise pending reports and carry out oversight duties.
The recess was originally scheduled to last two months, with lawmakers expected to reconvene on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
However, on the scheduled resumption date, the National Assembly postponed the return to plenary sessions by two weeks to October 7.
