Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has reaffirmed her commitment to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in accordance with a court judgment that nullified her suspension from the Senate, even as Senate President Godswill Akpabio continues to appeal the ruling.
Speaking from her hometown of Ihima in Kogi State during a community empowerment programme, the senator declared her intention to return to the red chamber.
“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.
“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”
Despite her suspension, the senator noted that she has continued to serve her constituents, although she admitted the Senate suspension hindered a core part of her role participation in legislative duties, particularly bill sponsorship.
“I did mention that every senator has three major functions. Legislative — which is the creation of laws and review of treaties. Then we have oversight — which is to oversee ministers and agencies. And then the third is representation — which I’m doing.
“Whereby I identify the problems and the challenges of my community, and I make sure I present them and have them captured in the federal budget. And I have done pretty well with that. Of course, I do miss putting up my bills there, but it didn’t stop me from working.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had formally informed the Senate of her intention to resume her seat on the stated date.
Her suspension on March 6, 2025, stemmed from alleged violations of Senate rules.
The move came in the wake of sexual harassment accusations she leveled against Senate President Akpabio. In response, she filed a lawsuit challenging the suspension, which the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned in July.
While the court directed the Senate to reinstate her, Akpabio has since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, maintaining that the lower court’s decision should not stand.
