Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, on Tuesday formally resumed duties at the National Assembly following the unsealing of her office after six months of suspension.
The Senator, who arrived at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on September 23, was accompanied by a crowd of supporters. Her office, located at Suite 2.05 in the Senate wing, had earlier been unlocked by an official of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
“While we were in court, I read in the news that our office had been opened. I even saw a video of the Clerk himself unlocking the door,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told journalists before stepping inside.
The lawmaker expressed concern that no official notice had been issued to her regarding her reinstatement.
“As at this moment, I have not been officially communicated to. I expect an institution like the National Assembly to follow administrative procedures, with written communication,” she said.
“The last correspondence we received from the clerk stated that we were not allowed to resume, as it was within the purview of the Senate. But we are here today, and I intend to spend a few minutes in the office.”
Her arrival was met with mild drama at the entrance of the Senate wing as her supporters insisted on entering the chamber with her. She, however, appealed to them to remain calm.
“Those of you who want to come, it is your office, your right to be there, just as it is your right to be here in the people’s parliament. But I ask that you remain quiet and calm,” she said.
“Your voices have been heard, your actions have been loud. Nigerians are proud of you, I am proud of you, and our ancestors are proud of you. Now, I will simply walk in.”
Speaking further, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed suggestions that her resumption might be tied to an apology.
“So, I am actually worried as to what apology they expect from me. You can’t apologise for an injustice,” she said.
She also vowed to remain firm, noting: “I am going to be quite limited with what I’ll say. In the weeks to come, I will have much to say.”
The lawmaker described her suspension as unjust, stressing that neither she nor her supporters would be intimidated.
“In everything, it just shows that sometimes it’s good to put the institutions to test. We can’t be cowed in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us,” she said.
The Senate had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged breaches of its standing rules. However, on 4 July, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the suspension was “excessive and unconstitutional”, urging the Senate to consider her reinstatement.
Despite the ruling, the National Assembly management had maintained that she could not return without either a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order.
Tuesday’s resumption marked the first time the Senator had accessed her office since the suspension was imposed.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked her constituents and colleagues who stood by her during the suspension. “In everything, it just shows that sometimes it’s good to put the institutions to the test,” she said.
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