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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday made a return to the Red Chamber as the Nigerian Senate reconvened for plenary after its 10-week annual recess.
The Senate had gone on recess on July 24, 2025, with plans to resume on September 23, but the return to full legislative activity was slightly delayed. The session resumed with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presiding in the absence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was yet to arrive at the chamber at the time proceedings commenced.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reappearance marked her first since serving a six-month suspension imposed earlier in the year, following a controversial row that pitched her against Senate leadership. Her suspension, widely criticized by civil society groups and opposition figures, was linked to her outspoken stance on alleged corruption and governance lapses within the upper chamber.
Before Tuesday’s resumption, her office was officially unsealed a few weeks ago after Senate management reversed the earlier administrative lockout that followed her suspension. The reopening of her office was seen by many as an early signal of her imminent reinstatement and a possible thawing of tensions between her and the Senate leadership.
During Tuesday’s session, Natasha was conspicuously present, drawing attention from colleagues and observers who viewed her return as a symbolic moment in the unfolding political drama within the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, many senators were in attendance, settling for parliamentary deliberations after the long break. In a show of international solidarity, some lawmakers arrived at the chamber wearing Palestinian colours and scarves, voicing support for the global call for a free Palestine.
Though Senate President Akpabio was absent, plenary activities proceeded under Barau’s leadership, underscoring the chamber’s commitment to a smooth transition back to full legislative business.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return effectively closes one of the more controversial chapters of the 10th Senate.