In what appears to be a retreat from its hard-line posture on the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP/Kogi Central District), the authorities at the National Assembly on Tuesday, unsealed her office located at suite 2.05 of the Senate wing, National Assembly.
Deputy Director, Sergeant at Arms of the National Assembly, Alabi Adedeji unsealed the office, signaling a probable end to the stand off and subtle indication that the embattled female lawmaker may join her colleagues in the red chamber when the Senate reconvenes on October 7, 2025.
In a short video trending on social media, a lone official who identified himself as Alabi Adedeji of the Office of the Sergeant At Arms was seen unsealing the office.
“I am here to unseal Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office. I , Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant At Arms, hereby useals the office. The office is hereby unsealed. Thank You,” he said as he removed the seals on the door.
Although, the official in the video did not disclose who gave the directive that the office be unsealed, it is apparent that the leadership of the Senate may have given a nod to the move in a bid to end the stand off before resumption for a fresh legislative yea.
It could be recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan was slammed with a six-month suspension following a row between her and the President of the Senate, Sen Godswill Akpabio over alleged breach of Senate Rules and subsequent allegations of sexual harassment.
The suspension had sparked controversy, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and several civil society organisations faulting the Senate’s decision and demanding her reinstatement.
Unsatisfied with the treatment meted to her, Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the courts to seek redress but the ruling of an Abuja High Court presided over by Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako further compounded the matter.
Although the court ruled that the suspension was unconstitutional and the duration excessive, it failed to give a definite order quashing the suspension and reinstating the lawmaker.
Again, not satisfied with the ruling Akpoti-Uduaghan dragged the Senate to the Court of Appeal even as she served her punishment. However, at the formal expiration of the six-month suspension, she notified the Senate of her intention to resume duties but the Senate argued that she could not resume because of the pending case in court. According to the Senate her resumption was subjudice and she could only resume through a definitive court order or a fresh resolution by the Senate.
