The National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
The office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, had been sealed for six months. It was reopened on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
“To unseal Senator Natasha Akpoti’s office, I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office,” he declared before unlocking the door.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March for alleged violations of Senate standing rules. The action followed a recommendation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
Her suspension stripped her of aides, office privileges, and salaries. Civil society groups and opposition politicians were frustrated, describing it as unjust.
She challenged the suspension in court in July. But attempts to resume failed, even as the case dragged on.
Her six-month suspension expired in September. She immediately wrote to the Senate declaring her readiness to return.
Lawmakers acknowledged her letter but said resumption would wait until the court process ended. “The matter remains sub judice, and until the judicial process is concluded, no administrative action can be taken,” the Senate wrote.
Reactions and Support
Her supporters stormed the Assembly complex on Tuesday to celebrate the unsealing. They had earlier accompanied her from the FCT High Court, where she appeared in a defamation case filed by the Federal Government.
The suit was lodged on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
The Senator was allowed access to her office this afternoon, from where she defiantly addressed the press, criticising the leadership of the Senate for the way she was treated. She accused Mr Akpabio of treating her like a “servant” and a “domestic staff“.
“It is good to put institutions to the test; no one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am, and he treated me like I was his servant. We cannot cower in the face of injustice.
“Even though I was suspended illegally, I effectively carried out my duties as a senator to Kogi Central because I didn’t want them to suffer neglect.”
Critics accused the Senate of double standards. “Six months should be six months, no discussion, no hesitation,” said lawyer Jacobs, who argued that the lawmakers frustrated the judicial process with endless objections.
“If they believe they have evidence against her, let the matter proceed in court. But you can’t stall the case and deny her return after her suspension has lapsed,” he added.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is now expected to walk back into the Red Chamber when plenary resumes on October 7, 2025.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
