Senator Natasha breaks silence as she resumes duties at National Assembly

After six months away from legislative duties, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has officially resumed her role at the National Assembly.

The lawmaker made her return on Tuesday to a rousing reception, as jubilant supporters thronged the National Assembly complex, waving banners and chanting solidarity songs in her honor.

Speaking to reporters after reclaiming her seat, the senator declared she has “no apology to render.

Once inside her office, the Senator representing Kogi Central listed all that she survived to resume office including an attempted recall. She also thanked all those who supported her, going as far as calling names. She stated that she believes their support forced the hands of the Senate President to unseal her office.

She went on to criticise Senate President Godswill Akpabio for the way he treated her. She accused him of treating her like a “servant” and a “domestic staff”.

She said: “It is good to put institutions to the test; no one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am, and he treated me like I was his servant. We cannot cower in the face of injustice.

“Even though I was suspended illegally, I effectively carried out my duties as a senator to Kogi Central because I didn’t want them to suffer neglect.”

Her resumption came shortly after Senate authorities reopened her previously sealed office, signaling a formal end to her suspension and clearing the path for her to fully participate in legislative activities once again.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March following a heated clash with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accused her of “unparliamentary conduct.

She described her return as a triumph for democratic principles and stood firm on her conduct during the incident that led to her suspension.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comeback marks a significant moment of reconciliation and a statement on upholding democracy within the Senate.