What we know about Senate Suspension of Natasha Akpoti: 7 Latest Developments

From her suspension earlier in the year to a recent court ruling in her favour, and now the latest decision by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to remove her as chair of a key committee, the situation has continued to unfold with national attention.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has remained in the spotlight over the past few months due to a series of legal, political, and procedural developments surrounding her position in the Nigerian Senate.

This article highlights seven important updates that reflect the current state of affairs around her Senate role, offering a clearer view of what has happened so far and what may come next.

1. Court Orders Reinstatement of Her Suspension
   On July 4, Justice Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled Natasha’s six‑month suspension was excessive and ordered she be recalled by the Senate.
2. Senate Claims It Isn’t Officially Served
   Despite the ruling, the Senate said it had not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, holding off on any reinstatement.
3. Natasha Awaits Official Court Document
   Akpoti‑Uduaghan stated she is waiting for the CTC before returning to plenary, following legal advice and protocol

4. She Loses Diaspora & NGOs Committee Chair
   On July 10, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced her removal as Chairperson of the Diaspora & NGOs Committee, replacing her with Senator Aniekan Bassey.
5. No Official Reason Provided
   Akpabio gave no specific explanation for the removal, but the move follows her holdover chair status and unresolved suspension.
6. This Caps Months of Committee Reshuffles
   Earlier in February, Akpoti‑Uduaghan was removed from the Local Content Committee and reassigned to Diaspora & NGOs after she asserted oversight pressure in oil & gas agencies.

7. Broader Shake-Up Likely Ahead
   Akpabio hinted at further committee reshuffles and vice‑chair reviews to balance representation, indicating more adjustments may follow

What This Means Moving Forward

1. Despite court backing, Natasha remains sidelined. She has no committee leadership role.
2. Awaiting the CTC is now key: once received, the Senate rule requires her return, though without committee functions.
3. The removal continues the power struggle between Akpabio and Akpoti‑Uduaghan that began with her sexual harassment allegations and suspension.

Senator Natasha’s case has become a notable example of the legal and political tensions that can arise within Nigeria’s legislative processes.

While the court has ruled in her favour, her full return to Senate activities remains uncertain.

With her recent removal as chair of the Diaspora and NGOs Committee and pending receipt of official court documents, all eyes remain on the Senate’s next move.

As events continue to develop, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the rule of law and legislative fairness are upheld