The Nigerian Senate reconvened on Tuesday, October 7, after a 10-week legislative recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over a plenary session marked by political tension, symbolic protests, and a notable return to the red chamber.
Among the key highlights was the return of embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who resumed her legislative duties after completing a six-month suspension that sparked national debate and legal challenges.
Drama, Symbolism Greet Senate Resumption
As the session kicked off, some lawmakers arrived dressed in Palestinian colours and regalia, using the plenary floor to advocate for global justice and solidarity with Palestine, a move that visually dominated the day’s proceedings and added symbolic weight to the Senate’s return.
In his opening address, Senate President Akpabio urged his colleagues to recommit to discipline, transparency, and purpose-driven governance, reminding them:
“To the citizens of Nigeria, we hear you. You asked us not for excuses, but for results. We will remain accountable and responsive.”
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Reclaims Senate Seat
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the PDP, made a quiet but firm return after serving a six-month suspension imposed in March 2025 over alleged violation of Senate standing rules, a charge she consistently denied.
Her suspension, which followed a protest she staged during a controversial seat reassignment by the Senate President on February 20, had led to her office being locked on March 6. The senator later described Senate President Akpabio as a “dictator” during her legal push to regain access to her office.
Despite court proceedings still pending, her suspension officially expired in September, prompting her to formally notify the Senate of her intention to resume duties. Though her earlier attempts to return were rebuffed, her office Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was eventually unsealed by Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, on September 23.
“Even though we had been illegally suspended, not a single day passed without me carrying out my duties to the people of Kogi Central to the best of my capacity,” she said after re-entering her office.
Strong Support, Limited Access
Senator Natasha was welcomed by a modest group of loyalists and civil society activists, including vocal advocate Aisha Yesufu, who was present in the gallery. However, others in her entourage were denied access to the Senate chamber.
Upon entering the red chamber, Natasha exchanged pleasantries with a few lawmakers before taking her seat, bringing to a close a suspension saga that drew public criticism, legal activism, and opposition backlash.
The Long Recess and Delayed Resumption
The National Assembly initially adjourned on July 24 for its annual legislative break, with plans to reconvene on September 23. However, the return was postponed by two weeks, pushing the official resumption date to October 7.
Although plenary was suspended, Senate committees were directed to continue oversight responsibilities and complete outstanding reports during the break.
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