An air of anxiety has enveloped the National Assembly as the anticipated return of suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was delayed on Tuesday, despite a court order mandating her reinstatement.
By mid-afternoon on Tuesday, the senator representing Kogi Central had yet to arrive at the Senate, fuelling uncertainty among her supporters and staff. Security was visibly heightened around the Assembly complex ahead of her expected resumption.
Her return follows last Friday’s ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who declared her six-month suspension unconstitutional, excessive, and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation.
“The suspension lacked constitutional backing,” Justice Nyako ruled, ordering her immediate reinstatement.
In a video shared on social media on Sunday, Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed her plan to resume legislative duties on Tuesday. “I will be at the Senate to continue representing my people,” she stated confidently.
However, as the day drew to a close with no sign of her arrival, uncertainty continued to cloud the chambers.
