Natasha Akpoti resumes duty at senate after six-month suspension

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central, has formally resumed duties at the national assembly following the unsealing of her office after a six-month suspension.

The senator arrived at the assembly complex on Tuesday, September 23, accompanied by supporters, just hours after the sergeant-at-arms unlocked her office at suite 2.05 in the senate wing.

“While we were in court, I read in the news that our office had been opened. I even saw a video of the clerk himself unlocking the door,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told journalists before stepping inside.

She noted that no formal communication had been issued to her about her reinstatement.

“As at this moment, I have not been officially communicated to. I expect an institution like the National Assembly to follow administrative procedures, with written communication,” she said.

“The last correspondence we received from the clerk stated that we were not allowed to resume, as it was within the purview of the Senate. But we are here today, and I intend to spend a few minutes in the office.”

The return led to a mild drama at the entrance to the senate wing as her supporters insisted on accompanying her inside. She then asked them to remain calm. 

“Those of you who want to come, it is your office, your right to be there, just as it is your right to be here in the people’s parliament. But I ask that you remain quiet and calm,” she said.

“Your voices have been heard, your actions have been loud. Nigerians are proud of you, I am proud of you, and our ancestors are proud of you. Now, I will simply walk in.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended by the senate for alleged breaches of its standing rules.

On July 4, however, the federal high court in Abuja declared the suspension “excessive and unconstitutional”, and implored the senate to consider her reinstatement.

Despite the ruling, the national assembly management had maintained that she could not return without either a fresh senate resolution or a definitive court order.

Her resumption on Tuesday marked the first time she had accessed her office since the suspension was imposed. (The Cable)