Supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan trooped out in Abuja on Tuesday to celebrate the reopening of her locked office at the National Assembly.
The Kogi Central lawmaker, who had been under suspension since March, was escorted from the FCT High Court to the Senate complex by her cheering supporters. She had appeared in court over a defamation case reportedly filed on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello.
Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, was sealed in March following her suspension for allegedly breaching Senate rules. The action triggered heavy criticism from civil society groups and opposition politicians, who described it as political intimidation.
On Tuesday, the Sergeant-at-Arms’ office confirmed that the office had been reopened by Deputy Director Alabi Adedeji, raising hopes of her full return when plenary resumes on October 7.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal critic of the political establishment in Kogi, completed her six-month suspension this September. She officially wrote to the Senate expressing her readiness to resume duties.
However, the Senate leadership, while acknowledging her letter, said the matter was still before the court. In their response, they insisted no administrative step could be taken until the judicial process was concluded.
Despite this, the reopening of her office is seen by many as a signal that she may soon reclaim her seat on the Red Chamber floor.
