By John Umeh
After six long months away from the red chambers, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resumed duties at the National Assembly, making a bold statement that has already sparked debates within Nigeria’s political space. Speaking from her office upon resumption, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central declared, “Senate President Godswill Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am.”
Her words came as both a reminder of her mandate and a response to critics who questioned her relevance during her suspension. Natasha’s suspension, which followed heated disagreements on the floor of the Senate earlier in the year, sidelined her from plenary and committee activities, raising concerns among her supporters that her voice was being deliberately silenced.
Now back to her seat, the outspoken senator wasted no time in asserting that the authority of the Senate belongs equally to all elected members, not just those in leadership positions. She emphasized that her suspension did not diminish her mandate, which she described as a sacred trust from the people of Kogi Central.
“Every senator carries the same legitimacy,” she insisted. “We were all voted into this chamber by our people, and no one should arrogate to themselves greater power than what the constitution grants us.”
Natasha also hinted at plans to reintroduce motions and bills she had been working on prior to her suspension, particularly those focused on women’s empowerment, infrastructural development in Kogi, and transparency in governance.
Her return has re-energized conversations about the balance of power in the Senate, the role of dissent, and the limits of disciplinary actions against elected lawmakers. Supporters across Kogi State have celebrated her comeback as a victory for democracy and representation.
As plenary resumes in full gear, all eyes will be on how Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan navigates her renewed presence in the chamber — and whether her clash with Senate leadership will spark further tensions or open a new chapter of reconciliation.
