By Obinna Uballa
The Nigerian Senate reconvened on Tuesday after a 10-week recess, marking the return of embattled Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who stepped back into the red chamber following a six-month suspension.
Her presence was one of the major highlights of the plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as some senators also made a striking show of international solidarity by arriving in Palestinian colours and attire, pushing the call for a free Palestine.
In his opening address, Akpabio urged lawmakers to recommit themselves to accountability, discipline and purposeful governance, telling colleagues: “To the citizens of Nigeria, we hear you. You asked us not for excuses, but for results. We will remain accountable and responsive.”
The resumption ended the National Assembly’s annual break, which had originally been scheduled for two months beginning July 24 but was extended after plenary was postponed from September 23 to October 7. During the recess, standing and ad hoc committees were tasked to continue their legislative duties and oversight functions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had been suspended in March for alleged violation of Senate rules, a decision that drew backlash from civil society groups and opposition voices. She challenged the suspension in court and attempted to resume in July without success.
Although the case remains in court, her six-month suspension officially lapsed in September. After writing to the Senate to notify of her readiness to resume, her office Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was eventually unsealed on September 23 by the Sergeant-at-Arms.
“For me, I am glad to be here,” Natasha said on Tuesday, adding: “Even though we had been illegally suspended, no day have I hesitated in effectively carrying out my duties as the senator of Kogi Central to the very best of my capacity.”
Her return, alongside the Palestine solidarity display, set the tone for what is expected to be a charged legislative season.
