Senator Natasha’s office reopened as National Assembly pushes plenary resumption to Oct. 7

National Assembly has officially reopened the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, signaling her imminent return to legislative duties following a months-long suspension.

On September 23, Mr. Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director and Sergeant-at-Arms, formally removed the seal from the Kogi Central lawmaker’s office.

In a video obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Adedeji declared:
“I hereby unseal the office of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

This action marks a significant turn in the lawmaker’s journey back to the Senate chamber after a six-month suspension that the courts later ruled as excessive.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been barred from office on March 6 for alleged misconduct and violation of Senate Standing Rules, particularly in connection with her protest over a change in seating arrangement.

Despite the expiration of the suspension, she had faced continued obstruction from accessing her office or resuming full legislative functions.

With the unsealing of Room 2.05, cleaners and fumigators were seen immediately preparing the space in anticipation of her return. This step clears the path for Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her responsibilities in lawmaking, representation, and oversight.

In a related development, the National Assembly has postponed its plenary resumption from the initially scheduled September 24 to October 7.

In a statement released to NAN, Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, announced:

“I am directed by the presiding officers of both chambers of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to inform all members of the National Assembly and the general public…”

“…that the resumption date of the National Assembly earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 24 September 2025, is postponed to Tuesday, 7 October 2025.”

Ogunlana assured that committee activities would continue in the interim, urging all senators and representatives to adjust their calendars accordingly.
“Any inconvenience caused by this rescheduling is deeply regretted,” he added.