Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has disclosed that her return to plenary may be subject to an apology demanded by the Senate leadership.
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central made the revelation on Tuesday after resuming at her office in the National Assembly, which had been sealed since March following her suspension.
Her office, Room 205 in the Senate Wing, was reopened earlier in the day by Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji, on the directive of the Senate leadership.
In a video circulated to journalists, Adedeji stated: “I, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, National Assembly, having been directed to unseal the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, hereby unseal the office.”
When approached for clarification, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said: “If something was sealed before and now unsealed, it means it has been unsealed.”
It is understood that the reopening of the senator’s office follows pressure from within and outside the chamber after her six-month suspension over alleged misconduct. While some senators favour her immediate reinstatement, others insist she must tender an apology, with a third group pushing for the suspension to remain until a pending Court of Appeal ruling is delivered.
Addressing journalists, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern over the condition reportedly being considered.
“I have not been communicated. The last communication I had from the clerk was that I won’t be allowed access to resume because the matter was still pending at the Appeal,” she said.
“So I’m still awaiting the letter because it’s good to understand the conditions that they might set illegally concerning the reopening of this my office because as I said earlier I read on the papers, I think it’s Vanguard to be specific, that the leadership meeting was held yesterday and that the Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro upon resumption on the 7th of October would move a motion for me to apologise.
“So I’m actually worried as to what apology they need from me. You can’t apologise for injustice.”
Please Senators allow this woman to represent her people. She has served the suspension and I think it’s enough lashing than waiting for an apology which will only lead to more problems. Let’s embrace peace and let the sleeping dog ly.
For all intents and purposes and without prejudice to any, It is my candid opinion that if the Hallowed Red Chamber of Federal Republic has found you guilty of gross misconduct or conduct unbecoming of a senator, then tendering an unreserved apology is not debatable. Madam Natasha may be allowed to resume but she should never be recognised within the Chambers for anything until she tenders an unreserved apology, period.
Goats are more sensible than the writer of this submission.
Which apology ? And to whom?
She was suspended and she served her suspension. Why then would anyone demand for apology?
Senators should forgive her and let her represent her people
Hello, Nigerians and particularly you senior citizens (our SENATORS) ,Please remember, Senator Natasha is your Sister, and a fellow human being like yourselves ,and as Christians and Muslims let us all accommodate this Sister to our fold as we all Wish her a happy return and assumption of office to represents her loved people who voted for her. God bless Nigeria.
Apologize for what? You are indeed stupid to say this. WHAT’S WRONG WITH PEOPLE LIKE YOU? You are enjoying your own Senator while you want other constituency to suffer, wicked human beings.
Madam, am one of those pushing for you to be reinstated. One thing I want U to know is that, no justice in Nigeria. Don’t give witches chance to harm U and still ask for forgiveness. Leave apakbio with his conscience. TINUBU will still use and dump him soon. Example, ( WHERE IS GANDUJE)
The whole 6 months on suspension yet, you are demanding apology again. She was punished for refusing to accept seat reallocation without her consent so, what apology again? Tyrant, watch your back. Power is transient.
Why are you talking of apology while suspension was the punishment? If I were the senator I will just resign and shame them all shikenan.