By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resumed her duties at the National Assembly following the lifting of her suspension, vowing not to be intimidated in the pursuit of justice.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central described her suspension as “illegal” but said it did not prevent her from serving her constituents effectively. “Even though I was suspended illegally, I carried out my duties as a senator to Kogi Central because I didn’t want them to suffer neglect,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of treating her unfairly, insisting that no lawmaker is superior to another. “Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am, yet he treated me like I was his servant. We cannot cower in the face of injustice,” she declared.
She expressed her appreciation to all individuals, political parties and Civil society organizations that have risen in her defence in the course of her trial.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which had stirred widespread debate about legislative overreach and political rivalry, was overturned after the National Assembly rescheduled to reconvene on October 7.
Observers say her reinstatement marks a significant test of institutional strength within the Senate, coming at a time when questions of accountability and internal checks dominate public discourse.
The senator’s return is expected to re-energize political activity in Kogi Central, where her supporters had consistently demanded her reinstatement. Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to prioritizing the needs of her constituents, pledging to continue her legislative and oversight responsibilities without fear or compromise.
