L-R: Akpabio, Natasha.
By Abdul Hassan
The National Assembly has unsealed the office of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).
This now clear the way for her possible return to office after months of suspension, when the National Assembly resumes plenary on Oct. 7.
The Sergeant-at-Arms, backed by security personnel, unsealed the office on Tuesday morning, thereby, restoring her access to the National Assembly complex.
The decision follows a Senate leadership meeting on Monday.
Sources said that a motion may be moved by the Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, requesting Akpoti-Uduaghan to apologise before resuming her legislative duties.
It would be recalled that the controversial lawmaker was suspended in March after protesting the reassignment of her seat by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Although the Federal High Court in Abuja later described the suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional,” the Senate maintained that she must serve the full term.
Her lawyer, Michael Numa (SAN), had threatened further legal action in September if she was not reinstated, but the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, insisted the matter could only be resolved by a Senate Resolution.
With her office now reopened, focus now shifts to the October plenary session.
On resumption, the Senate will then decide whether the Kogi senator returns unconditionally or after a formal apology.
