Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has officially resumed duties at the National Assembly after months of suspension, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the Red Chamber like a dictator.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central returned to her office on Tuesday following its unsealing by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Alabi Adedeji.
The office had remained locked since March 6 when she was suspended.
Speaking after her resumption, Senator Natasha declared that she owed no one an apology for her actions, insisting she was unfairly treated.
According to her, “No one is more Nigerian than another. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. Unfortunately, he has conducted the Senate in a dictatorial manner, and that is unacceptable.”
She thanked her constituents, family, and supporters for standing by her during what she described as an unjust suspension.
Her six-month suspension in March was linked to alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her seat.
Though a Federal High Court later ruled that the suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, her return was delayed by legal and administrative hurdles.
Meanwhile, there are questions over whether Tuesday’s development restores her full privileges in the Senate, as plenary sittings remain on hold until October 7.
The Senate leadership has again shifted its resumption date from September 23 to October 7, extending its annual recess by two more weeks.
The Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, in a memo apologised to lawmakers for the late notice and urged them to adjust their schedules accordingly.
The delay means that key legislative issues, including oversight inquiries and pending motions, will now be pushed further down the calendar