Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has firmly declared her intention to return to the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, July 22, citing judicial backing for her decision to resume legislative duties.
The senator, who has been on a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate since March, made the announcement on Saturday during a training session held in her constituency. Addressing journalists, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated unequivocally that she had officially notified the Senate of her planned return, and that her move is in alignment with a recent Federal High Court ruling directing the Senate to lift her suspension.
“I have close to two months remaining before the six-month period ends,” she explained. “But I’ve already written to the Senate informing them that I will resume on the 22nd of July. By God’s grace, I’ll be there. The court made a decision — not just an order — and I intend to honour it.”
Her remarks come amid an ongoing legal standoff between her and the Senate leadership. The court had ruled in July that her suspension was unconstitutional, yet Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken the matter to the Court of Appeal, refusing to implement the recall order while the appeal is pending.
A Suspension That Stifled Legislative Voice
Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of the few outspoken women in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, lamented that her suspension had effectively silenced her voice in the very arena where she was elected to serve.
She highlighted how her absence had hampered her ability to carry out the full scope of her senatorial duties, especially in legislation and oversight, two of the three core responsibilities of a federal lawmaker.
“Every senator has three primary responsibilities: lawmaking, oversight, and representation,” she said. “While I’ve continued to serve my constituents through representation — ensuring their needs are captured in the federal budget — I’ve been unable to sponsor bills or contribute to national debate in the Red Chamber.”
She added, “I truly miss presenting motions, sponsoring bills, and standing up for the people of Kogi Central on the Senate floor. But that didn’t stop me from working in the background and staying connected to the challenges on ground.”
Behind the Suspension: A Deeper Rift
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March was widely viewed as controversial and politically charged, especially since it followed her public allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio. She accused the Senate leadership of retaliating against her for daring to speak out, a claim that resonated with many human rights advocates and gender equity groups.
In response to the six-month sanction, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed a lawsuit against the Senate, contesting what she described as a gross violation of her democratic mandate. The Federal High Court in Abuja sided with her, declaring the suspension illegal and ordering her reinstatement.
Despite the court’s verdict, the Senate has yet to comply. Instead, Senate President Akpabio escalated the matter to the Appeal Court, seeking to overturn the ruling and maintain the suspension.
The Road Ahead: Returning to a Divided Chamber
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned return raises crucial constitutional questions. Can a senator legally remain suspended when a competent court has ordered her recall? Does the Senate have the authority to disregard such a decision while it awaits an appellate ruling?
Legal experts are divided. Some argue that a court decision must be obeyed until overturned, while others believe that the appeal automatically stays the execution of the judgment. For now, Akpoti-Uduaghan is determined to walk back into the Senate chamber on Tuesday — regardless of whether her colleagues welcome her return.
Her defiance signals not just a personal battle for reinstatement, but also a broader fight for institutional accountability and the independence of the judiciary.
A Symbol of Resilience
Throughout her career, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been known for her fearless advocacy, especially on issues of women’s rights, regional development, and good governance. Her current challenge only adds to a growing narrative of female lawmakers fighting systemic resistance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Whether the Senate complies with the court ruling or not, one thing is clear: Akpoti-Uduaghan is not backing down.
Her words echo with certainty: “I will be there.” And when Tuesday comes, all eyes will be on the Red Chamber.
