Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday lauded the people of Kogi Central for standing by her during what she described as a time of “unscrupulous intimidation,” as she made her first appearance at the Senate plenary in six months.
In a brief statement issued to journalists following her return to the red chamber, the lawmaker expressed gratitude for the resilience shown by her constituents and Nigerians at large.
“My attendance at plenary today is a testament of resilience by the good people of Kogi Central and Nigerians, especially their courage to resist every unscrupulous intimidation,” the statement read.
“While averting Hon Rifkatu Danna’s dilemma, our victory is the people’s and God,” she added.
“I recommit myself to continued service to my constituents and country while trust the courts to be fair and swift in adjudicating the matters before them.”
Her return brings an end to a prolonged dispute that began on March 6, 2025, when she was suspended over allegations of misconduct. The disciplinary action followed her protest against what she termed an “unjust reassignment” of her Senate seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio — a decision she publicly challenged, insisting she had “no apology to tender.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office, which had been sealed throughout her suspension, was only reopened two weeks ago. The Sergeant-at-Arms reportedly acted after persistent legal pressure from her counsel, who argued that the six-month suspension had been fully served and that there was no legal basis to prevent her return to legislative duties.
Her reappearance coincides with the Senate’s resumption following an extended recess. The National Assembly had faced growing scrutiny over whether the Kogi lawmaker, known for her vocal stance on internal legislative matters, would be readmitted.
Attempts to get official comments from Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu and the media aide to the Senate President yielded no response. Nonetheless, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement signals the conclusion—at least for now—of one of the 10th Assembly’s most contentious disciplinary episodes.
