SENATE UNSEALS OFFICE OF SUSPENDED SENATOR NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN (VIDEO)

The National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, granting her access to the premises. The move follows a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate for alleged breaches of standing rules, a decision criticized by groups like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as “unfair, undemocratic, and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy”.

Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, unsealed the office, stating, “I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, hereby unseal the office”. The unsealing potentially paves the way for Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume legislative duties when plenary resumes on October 7, 2025.

A Federal High Court had ruled her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional”, ordering her recall. Despite this, the Senate required a fresh resolution or definitive court order for her reinstatement. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers maintain she is presumed innocent and not a flight risk.

A motion may be moved by Minority Leader Abba Moro for Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologize before resumption. Her return signals a potential shift, with observers interpreting it as her career remaining “firmly on track” amidst political tension.