Senate Unseals Natasha’s Office, Grants Access to NASS Premises

Strong indications suggest that the standoff between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, led by Senator Godswill Akpabio, is nearing an end. The Sergeant at Arms of the National Assembly, along with security personnel, has unsealed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office in the Senate wing.

This development paves the way for the suspended Senator to access her office and the National Assembly premises. According to sources, the decision was made during a Senate leadership meeting, where a motion will be moved to allow Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologize and resume her legislative duties.

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March over alleged misconduct, but a Federal High Court in July described the suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, ordering the Senate to recall her. Despite the court’s ruling, the Senate had maintained that she should serve her full suspension term.

With her suspension ending in September, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer had written to the National Assembly, urging them to allow her to resume her duties. The Senate’s decision to unseal her office and grant access to the premises may signal a resolution to the prolonged standoff.

As the Senate resumes plenary sessions on October 7, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan is expected to return to her legislative duties, potentially marking the end of the controversy surrounding her suspension.