Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Invites Akpabio, Lawmakers to Project Commissioning in Kogi — Signals End to Senate Rift
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has extended an invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and fellow lawmakers to attend the inauguration of her constituency projects in Kogi State.
The gesture comes just weeks after her return from a six-month suspension from the Senate.
The invitation, which was formally read by Senate President Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary, stated:
“In marking my second anniversary as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow distinguished senators to join me for projects commissioning in Kogi State.”
According to the letter, the event is scheduled to hold on Sunday in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area, with the meeting point at her residence. For lawmakers arriving by air, the senator advised that the Obajana airstrip could serve as the arrival point before proceeding by road to Ihima.
Akpabio, after reading the letter, responded warmly, saying, “Congratulations in advance.”
The exchange marks a significant thawing in relations between both senators, who had previously clashed during plenary sessions.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after a heated confrontation with the Senate leadership over the reallocation of her seat, an incident that sparked accusations of misconduct and drew nationwide attention.
The Kogi senator accused Akpabio of operating the Senate “with a dictatorial hand,” while Akpabio maintained that her actions violated parliamentary decorum.
Though her suspension formally ended in September, she only regained access to her office two weeks ago after months of tension and legal proceedings.
Since her reinstatement, Akpoti-Uduaghan has resumed active participation in Senate activities, including contributing to the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill 2025. Her invitation to Akpabio and other senators is being widely interpreted as a reconciliation gesture and a move toward unity in the upper chamber.
Political analysts view the development as a strategic and symbolic gesture, signaling the senator’s renewed commitment to collaboration and service delivery to her constituents.
— Hobnob News
