Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has declared her intent to return to her legislative duties in the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, citing the ruling of the court as her basis, despite a pending appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking with clarity and confidence, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated: “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God.” She added, “I will be there, because the court did decide on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order — it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”
Currently in her home district to oversee a training programme aimed at empowering constituents, the Senator noted that although her suspension didn’t deter her from delivering on local initiatives, it did hinder one of her core roles—sponsoring and debating legislation on the Senate floor.
She emphasized the essential functions of every lawmaker: “I did mention that every senator has three major functions. Legislative—which is the creation of laws and review of treaties. Then we have oversight, which is to oversee ministers and agencies. And then the third is representation—which I’m doing.”
Expanding on her work during the suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “Whereby I identify the problems and the challenges of my community, and I make sure I present them and have them captured in the federal budget. And I have done pretty well with that. Of course, I do miss putting up my bills there, but it didn’t stop me from working.”
She confirmed that she has formally informed the Senate of her intent to return through a written letter, underlining her commitment to continue fulfilling her constitutional responsibilities.
As the political tension unfolds and anticipation builds ahead of her planned resumption, eyes remain on the Senate leadership’s next move in response to her firm stance.
What You Should Know
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate but remained active in her constituency.
Despite an ongoing appeal by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, she intends to resume on July 22, 2025, in alignment with a court decision she believes affirms her return.
