The Senate is set to reconvene today after nearly three months of recess, amid heightened security and uncertainty surrounding the fate of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The upper chamber had adjourned plenary on July 24 for its annual break, originally scheduled to resume on September 23. However, a memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, and sighted on September 23, announced a shift in resumption to October 7.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is expected to return to the chamber after completing her six-month suspension imposed on March 6 over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the Senate’s sitting arrangements during a February 20 session.
Although the Senate leadership had indicated that the suspension could be lifted earlier if she tendered a written apology, the lawmaker declined, instead accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment — a claim that sparked legal disputes during her suspension.
Following the expiration of her suspension, the National Assembly management on September 23 reopened her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing.
However, controversy persists over her full reinstatement.
Kenny Okolugbo, Communication and Strategy Consultant to the Office of the Senate President, said in a Channels TV interview that the Senate would decide today whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will be allowed to resume her legislative duties.
Meanwhile, security around the National Assembly complex has been reinforced to forestall possible protests.
The management, on Sunday, cautioned against any picketing following threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to embark on industrial action over unresolved welfare and constitutional grievances.
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