Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has declared her intention to resume legislative duties at the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in line with a court ruling that nullified her suspension earlier this year.
Speaking during a training programme in her constituency on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had formally written to the Senate notifying them of her return, despite the pending appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire,” she said. “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.”
She maintained that the court’s ruling gave her the right to resume, regardless of the Senate’s position.
“They argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” the lawmaker stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended in March over alleged misconduct, explained that although her suspension didn’t prevent her from implementing constituency projects, it significantly limited her ability to participate in core legislative responsibilities.
“I did mention that every senator has three major functions—legislative, oversight, and representation,” she explained. “Legislative is about making laws and reviewing treaties, oversight involves supervising ministers and agencies, while representation means identifying my constituents’ problems and ensuring they are captured in the federal budget.”
While she acknowledged missing the opportunity to sponsor bills and raise motions during her suspension, she expressed satisfaction with her performance in terms of constituency representation.
“I have done pretty well with that,” she noted. “Of course, I do miss putting up my bills there, but it didn’t stop me from working.”
Following a legal challenge by her legal team, a court recently ruled that her suspension was unlawful. However, the Senate has appealed the judgment, which the senator insists does not affect her right to return to plenary.
Her planned return is expected to generate fresh political tension within the Red Chamber, as she moves to reclaim her legislative role in what she describes as a matter of constitutional right.
“The court has made its decision, and I am going back to do the job I was elected to do,” Akpoti-Uduaghan added.
