Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returns to National Assembly office

Suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has regained access to her office at the National Assembly after it was reopened on Tuesday by the Sergeant-at-Arms in the company of security operatives.

Her arrival at the complex around 2:30 p.m., dressed in black and accompanied by supporters, sparked mild drama as some security personnel initially barred her from entering the main building. She was later allowed access following the official announcement that her office, sealed for months, had been reopened.

The Senate, currently on recess until October 7, had suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan in March over alleged breaches of its standing rules, leading to her office being locked for six months. Her suspension followed her allegation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a development that drew criticism from civil society groups and opposition politicians.

Although she made an unsuccessful attempt in July to challenge her suspension in court, the reopening of her office signals a possible return to her legislative duties when the Senate reconvenes next month.