By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Nigerian Senate reconvened on Tuesday after a 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the first plenary session since July.
One of the notable highlights of the day was the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, who resumed duties after serving a six-month suspension. Her reappearance drew considerable attention within the chamber, marking a significant political comeback following months of controversy.
Adding an international dimension to proceedings, several lawmakers arrived dressed in the colours of Palestine, in a symbolic show of solidarity calling for a “Free Palestine.”
In his opening address, Senate President Akpabio urged senators to recommit themselves to the principles of accountability, discipline, and purposeful governance.
“To the citizens of Nigeria, we hear you,” Akpabio said. “You asked us not for excuses, but for results. We will remain accountable and responsive.”
The Senate and House of Representatives had adjourned for their annual legislative recess on July 24, 2025, with committees instructed to continue oversight and pending assignments during the break. Although lawmakers were initially expected to resume on September 23, plenary was postponed by two weeks and eventually reconvened on October 7.
The annual recess forms part of the National Assembly’s legislative calendar, providing lawmakers an opportunity to balance national responsibilities with constituency engagements and personal matters.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return followed the unsealing of her office on September 23 by the Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji. The senator, whose office is located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, had been suspended in March over alleged violations of the chamber’s standing rules—a decision that drew sharp criticism from civil society groups and opposition politicians.
Though she challenged her suspension in court and made earlier attempts to resume, the Senate leadership maintained that it would not act on her reinstatement until the legal process was concluded. Having completed the six-month suspension in September, Akpoti-Uduaghan formally notified the Senate of her intention to return to work.
Speaking after regaining access to her office, the lawmaker expressed relief and determination.
“For me, I am glad to be here,” she said. “Even though we were illegally suspended, I never stopped performing my duties to the people of Kogi Central to the best of my capacity.”
The resumption of plenary marks the beginning of what is expected to be a busy legislative session, with key issues – including economic reforms, constitutional amendments, and security matters – expected to dominate Senate deliberations in the coming weeks.
