Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has officially returned to her legislative responsibilities after enduring a six-month suspension, firmly stating that she owes no apologies to anyone.
Speaking with reporters in her office, Natasha emphasized that if the National Assembly’s decision to unseal her office-especially by the Senate leadership-was intended to pressure her into apologizing, then “the real struggle is only beginning.”
“I am both relieved and justified to regain access to my office today and resume my legislative duties following an unlawful and unfair suspension lasting half a year,” she declared.
Responding to a media report suggesting that the Senate convened on Monday and allegedly tasked the Minority Leader with convincing her to apologize by December 7, she said,
“Should that report hold true, it signals that the fight is far from over, as I have no regrets to express for any wrongdoing-especially one I did not commit-against anyone or the Senate itself.
“I am genuinely concerned about what kind of apology they expect from me. One cannot apologize for an injustice. I remind Nigerians that the document which triggered my suspension-the recommendation from the committee led by Senator Neda Imasuen-was actually drafted by the Senate President’s office. The signatures endorsing this recommendation were not genuine approvals.
“They were merely signatures on an attendance sheet attached to the recommendation, which was then used to justify my suspension. To me, this amounts to deception.
“This is just one violation after another, and I believe such practices must be rejected in Nigeria. Therefore, if an apology is the price for reopening my office, then we have a long road ahead.”
Senator Natasha further stressed the importance of testing democratic institutions to prevent them from yielding to injustice, affirming, “No one is more Nigerian than I am or anyone else.”
She also criticized the Senate President, stating, “Akpabio is not superior to me as a Senator. He is not the governor here and cannot treat me as if I am a subordinate or household staff.”
Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude to Nigerians, particularly political leaders and civil society activists, who supported her throughout the ordeal.
“From enduring the unfair suspension and surviving recall attempts, to overcoming blockades on roads and waterways into Kogi-so much so that we had to resort to helicopter travel-and resisting blackmail attempts from a so-called woman, we persevered.
“I give thanks to Almighty God and extend my heartfelt appreciation to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians everywhere-my husband, my children, Mama Oby Ezekwesili, Aunty Aisha Yesufu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senator Bukola Saraki, Femi Falana, my beloved PDP, the Labour Party, ADC, and of course, the media. I am deeply grateful to all.”
Before her return, Mr. Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms, officially unsealed her office-Room 2.05 in the Senate Wing-precisely at 10:00 a.m.
Senator Natasha’s suspension was enacted by the Senate on March 6, 2025, following a recommendation from the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen of Edo South.
The committee found her culpable of disorderly conduct on the Senate floor on February 20, 2025, during a protest against the seat reallocation mandated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
