Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has extended an olive branch to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her colleagues in the upper chamber, inviting them to the inauguration of constituency projects in Kogi State — a gesture widely seen as a move toward reconciliation after months of political tension.
The invitation, read aloud by Senate President Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary, marks a notable thaw in relations between the two senators, coming just weeks after Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return from a six-month suspension.
“In marking my second anniversary as serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite my distinguished colleagues to join me for projects commissioning in Kogi State,”
the letter read in part.
According to the invitation, the commissioning ceremony will take place on Sunday in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area, with the meeting point fixed at the senator’s residence.
For lawmakers travelling by air, Akpoti-Uduaghan advised that the Obajana airstrip could serve as a convenient arrival point before proceeding to Ihima by road.
After reading the letter, Akpabio responded warmly, saying, “Congratulations in advance,” drawing smiles from several senators on the floor.
From Rift to Reconciliation
Thursday’s exchange marks a significant turning point in what had been a bitter feud between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership.
The Kogi senator was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a heated confrontation over the alleged reallocation of her seat during plenary. Her protest led to accusations of “gross misconduct”, a dramatic walkout, and a national debate on legislative discipline and gender representation.
At the time, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of running the Senate with a “dictatorial hand,” while the Senate President maintained that her conduct violated parliamentary decorum.
Although her six-month suspension formally expired in September, she only regained access to her office two weeks ago after a prolonged standoff that included court filings and mediation efforts.
Since her return, Akpoti-Uduaghan has resumed full participation in legislative activities — notably sponsoring an amendment to the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 last week.
A Strategic Olive Branch
Political observers view Thursday’s invitation as both symbolic and strategic — signaling an effort by the outspoken Kogi lawmaker to rebuild bridges within the Senate.
Her gesture, they say, underscores her political maturity and may help shift public focus from past controversies to her legislative and constituency achievements.
“This invitation is more than a courtesy; it’s a statement of reconciliation,” said a senior parliamentary aide. “It shows that Senator Natasha is willing to turn the page.”
As the Senate prepares to honor her invitation this weekend, the event in Kogi is expected to serve not only as a celebration of completed projects but also as a public display of unity in Nigeria’s often divided upper chamber.
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