By Abiola Olawale
Indications have emerged that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district of Kogi State, may likely serve out the remainder of her six-month suspension as the Nigerian Senate adjourned for its annual recess until September 23, 2025.
Announcing the Senate’s decision to go on break on the floor of the Senate, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the decision was based on “chamber reciprocity,” stressing that the House of Representatives has already proceeded on recess in line with this year’s legislative calendar.
“We have started a new calendar that will take us to next year, June. And so it has fallen within this period for us to go on for a break to enable us to undertake major oversights,” Akpabio explained.
He clarified that although plenary sessions would be on hold, committee assignments should continue during the recess.
For Akpoti-Uduaghan, the timing of the recess means she might likely serve out the full term of her suspension without an opportunity to return to the chamber before September 6.
Recall that this controversy began on February 20, 2025, when Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was accused of misconduct and insubordination after refusing to comply with a reassigned seating arrangement during a plenary session.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions which was consequently asked to investigate the incident had recommended a six-month suspension, effective March 6, 2025, set to complete on September 6, 2025.
The Senate had justified the penalty, citing violations of its standing rules, including “unruly and disruptive behavior” and “disrespectful remarks” toward the Senate leadership.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently challenged the suspension, labeling it “fraudulent” and “procedurally flawed.”
She accused the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio of overstepping his authority and vowed to seek legal recourse.
On July 22, 2025, Senator Natasha made spirited moves to re-enter the Senate chamber, citing a court ruling that she claimed nullified her suspension.
However, security personnel barred her from gaining access to the Senate.
In its reaction, the Senate through its spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu dismissed her actions as “theatrical” and unauthorized, asserting that no valid court order mandated her reinstatement.
