Natasha Returns to Senate, Labels Akpabio a ‘Dictator’

 file copy of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, resumed duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday after months of suspension, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the chamber like a “dictator.”

Her comeback followed the unsealing of her office, Suite 2.05 in the Senate Wing, by Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, who formally declared the office reopened.

Addressing journalists, the embattled lawmaker said she had “no apology to tender,” insisting her suspension was unjust.

 “It is amazing what we had to endure in the past six months, from the suspension to the recall and the blackmail. But we survived. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place, yet he treated me as if I were a servant in his house. It is unfortunate that the National Assembly is being run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude to her constituents, supporters, and family, particularly her husband, while stressing that lawmakers must not cower in the face of injustice.

Her office had remained locked since March 6, 2025, when she was suspended for six months over alleged misconduct following her protest against the reassignment of her seat by Akpabio. Although the suspension formally ended in September, she was barred from returning due to ongoing legal battles with the Senate leadership.

On July 4, the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled the suspension excessive and unconstitutional, paving the way for her eventual resumption. Still, questions remain over whether she will be allowed to fully participate in plenary when the Senate reconvenes on October 7.

Meanwhile, the Senate leadership has once again shifted its resumption date. In a memo signed by Chinedu Akubueze, Chief of Staff to the Senate President, plenary originally slated for September 23 was postponed to October 7, 2025.

The adjustment, which extends the chamber’s annual recess by two weeks, has sparked criticism within the National Assembly. Though no official reason was given, sources suggested the delay was meant to allow lawmakers to observe Independence Day celebrations on October 1.

The shift means that critical debates and oversight motions including probes into government spending and pending executive appointments will remain on hold until plenary resumes.