Authorities of the National Assembly have reopened the office of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, paving the way for her return to legislative duties after a prolonged suspension.
The Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Alabi Adedeji, formally unsealed her office, Room 2.05, on Sept. 23. In a video obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Adedeji declared: “I hereby unseal the office of Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
Following the move, National Assembly staff immediately began cleaning and fumigation in preparation for the Kogi Central lawmaker’s return.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had been suspended on March 6 over alleged misconduct and breach of Senate standing rules after protesting the reassignment of her seat. A court later described the six-month suspension as excessive.
Although the suspension period had lapsed, she was unable to resume until the unsealing of her office, which restores her access to the National Assembly complex and her legislative responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and representation.
Meanwhile, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, announced that plenary sessions, earlier scheduled to resume on Sept. 23, have been postponed to Oct. 7.
In a statement, Ogunlana said the directive came from the presiding officers of both chambers, adding that committee activities would continue in the meantime.
He apologised for any inconvenience caused by the adjustment and urged lawmakers to take note of the new date.