The Senate has ordered that the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, be unsealed, signalling her return to legislative duties after months of suspension.
In a video obtained by DAILY GAZETTE, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director and Sergeant‑at‑Arms of the National Assembly, announced, “I, having been directed to unseal the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, hereby unseal the office.”
When reached for comment, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu did not elaborate, stating only, “If something was sealed before and now unsealed, it means it has been unsealed.”
All efforts to obtain additional clarification were unsuccessful.
According to insiders, mounting pressure both from within the Senate and from external groups pushed for Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s reinstatement once her six‑month suspension, imposed in March 2025, expired in September.
Earlier, the Senate’s principal officers met, but were quiet about what was decided.
Sources say there is division among senators: some believe she should return immediately, others insist on an apology before resumption, and a third group wants suspension extended pending a ruling by the Court of Appeal.
Despite Senate rules generally prohibiting debate on matters that are sub judice (under judicial consideration), several senators have urged the leadership to override this rule to resolve the impasse.
The initial suspension drew criticism and a legal outcry.
The Federal High Court described the six‑month suspension as “excessive,” while legal scholars have condemned its continuation as a violation of the rights of the people of Kogi Central to representation.
Civil society organizations, women’s rights advocates, and lawyers have all called for her formal reinstatement.
They are also pushing for an independent investigation into Senator Natasha’s accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which many say should be treated separately from the Senate’s decision on her suspension.
Prominent legal voices, including Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Ebun‑Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), have denounced the prolonged exclusion, saying it undermines representative democracy.
Ozekhome remarked that “you cannot punish a constituency because of one legislator.”
