Samuel Omang
The Senate will on October 7, 2025, determine whether suspended lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, can resume her official legislative duties after serving out a six-month suspension.
Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant on Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Senate President, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, following allegations that she violated Senate rules during a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she had accused of sexual harassment — a claim the Senate President has denied.
Her suspension elapsed on September 6, and on Tuesday, her office at the National Assembly complex was unsealed. However, questions remain about her ability to resume full legislative functions pending the outcome of ongoing court cases.
Responding to whether the senator has only regained access to her office without resuming plenary, Okolugbo said:
“Every other decision will be taken by the senators when they resume on the 7th of October.”
He commended the Senate leadership for unsealing Natasha’s office, describing it as the right step in line with the expiration of her suspension.
“She has gained access to her office. She has every right to go to her office since her six months suspension has elapsed. Even though the case is still at the Court of Appeal, the leadership of the Senate took a wise decision,” Okolugbo stated.
The Senate is currently on a recess and is scheduled to reconvene on October 7, when a final decision on the lawmaker’s status will be made.