Embattled Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, made a notable return to the Senate on Tuesday as the upper legislative chamber resumed sitting after a 10-week annual recess.
The Senate had adjourned plenary on July 24, 2025, to proceed on its yearly break and was initially scheduled to reconvene on September 23. However, plenary officially resumed today, with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presiding over the session in the absence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had been under a six-month suspension, was conspicuously present in the chamber — marking her formal reinstatement to legislative duties. Her return drew attention from both colleagues and observers following months of political controversy surrounding her suspension.
Despite Akpabio’s absence, the session witnessed a significant turnout of senators, signaling a full resumption of legislative business.
In a striking moment of international solidarity, some senators appeared in the red chamber dressed in Palestinian colours and attire, calling for support of the Palestinian people and advocating for a free Palestine.
Tuesday’s plenary marked a symbolic return not just for the embattled Kogi senator but also for a chamber eager to resume its legislative agenda after weeks of political and diplomatic developments.
