After a 10-week legislative break, the Nigerian Senate resumed plenary on Tuesday, with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presiding over the session in the absence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Among the most notable events of the day was the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, who made her first appearance at plenary since serving a six-month suspension.
Her presence drew attention, marking a key moment in the resumption of full legislative activities.
Despite Senator Akpabio’s absence, the session saw a strong turnout of lawmakers, signaling a complete return to business at the upper chamber.
Adding to the day’s significance, some senators arrived at the chamber wearing clothing and colours symbolising support for Palestine, a bold expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The Senate, along with the House of Representatives, adjourned for its annual recess on July 24.
Lawmakers were initially scheduled to reconvene on September 23, 2025.
However, the resumption was postponed by two weeks, shifting the return date to October 7.
During the break, both ad hoc and standing committees were expected to continue with pending assignments.
The Senate President had also urged members to use the time to finalise reports and carry out oversight functions.
The recess is a customary part of the National Assembly’s calendar, allowing lawmakers time for constituency work and personal matters.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return follows a controversial suspension earlier this year.
She was suspended in March for allegedly violating Senate standing rules, a move that sparked widespread criticism from civil society organisations and opposition voices.
Though she attempted to return earlier, the Senate refused her re-entry, citing an ongoing court case she filed in July to challenge the suspension.
Despite the pending court proceedings, her six-month suspension officially ended in September.
On completing her suspension, she wrote to the Senate expressing her readiness to return. However, the Senate had previously indicated it would not act on her letter until the legal matter was resolved.
On September 23, after six months of being sealed, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office, Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing, was finally reopened by Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
Speaking upon her return, the senator expressed her relief and resolve:
“For me, I am glad to be here,” she said.
“Even though we were suspended unjustly, I have never relented in serving the people of Kogi Central to the best of my ability.”
