Akpabio absent as Natasha rejoins Senate after 6-month suspension

Senate President Godswill Akpabio was absent on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as the Senate resumed plenary after a 10-week recess.

The plenary was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

One of the key highlights of the session was the return of the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who rejoined the chamber after a six-month suspension.

Despite Akpabio’s absence, there was a strong turnout of lawmakers, marking a full return to legislative business.

Some senators also used the occasion to express international solidarity by appearing in Palestinian colours and attire, calling for a free Palestine.

Both chambers of the National Assembly had adjourned for their annual recess on July 24.

‘I don’t have those words’: Natasha enters office, rules out apology to Senate

It would be recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan, on September 23, resumed duties at the National Assembly complex after serving her suspension.

This followed the reopening of her office in the National Assembly complex.

Speaking with journalists shortly after gaining access to her office, the senator ruled out any apology to the Senate, saying it would be unjust to demand an apology from her despite surviving what she described as “an injustice.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated: “I am still waiting for the official letter because it is very important to understand the conditions that they might set, even if illegally, concerning this. I read in the papers that the leadership meeting was held yesterday and the Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, upon resumption on October 7, would read a motion calling on me to apologise.

“But what apology do they expect from me? You can’t apologise for an injustice. This is one illegality upon another, and I think Nigerians should reject such acts.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan added that any attempt to tie her resumption to an apology would be unacceptable.

The Star