Suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is set to return to the National Assembly later this month after fulfilling her six-month suspension.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attorney, Barr Victor Giwa stated this in an interview with reporters in Abuja, where he shared that the lawmaker was currently on vacation in London but has arranged to join her colleagues in plenary when the Senate resumes on September 23.
“Actually, she’s ready to resume her term. She’s in London. Everything is in place, and the six months have expired. The only thing left is her resumption,” Giwa said.
Giwa added that the Senate leadership was not expected to obstruct her return.
“We have been told that even the leadership of the Senate is ready to welcome her. So, that’s the situation at the moment. There is no obstacle at all,” he assured.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6 following allegations of insubordination.
The suspension, based on recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also stripped her of aides, office privileges and salaries.
The lawmaker had consistently argued that her ordeal was linked to her petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate dismissed.
She later challenged her suspension in court, securing a judgment favouring her recall.
However, the Senate leadership maintained that she would remain suspended until the six-month penalty elapsed.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to force her way back into the National Assembly in July ended in a standoff, as security operatives barred her entry despite a crowd of supporters rallying outside.
The suspension expired last Saturday, and her lawyer maintained that pending legal disputes would not hinder her return.
“Everything will be resolved. Even the court cases will become like an academic exercise,” Giwa noted.
