Concerns Over Natasha’s Fate as Senate Resumes

The Nigeria Senate will resume its plenary today after nearly three months of annual recess.

It was recall that the supper legislative chamber had on July 24, adjourned plenary to proceed on its annual recess and resume on September 23.

But according to a memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze said that the resumption date was shifted to October 7.

Meanwhile, Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is expected to officially resume plenary sessions today after serving her six months suspension.

The lawmaker was suspended on March 6 over alleged misconduct and refusal to comply with the red chamber’s sitting arrangement during the plenary session on 20 February.

The upper chamber, however, said if the Senator could submit a written apology, the leadership of the chamber may consider lifting the suspension before the six-month period expires.

But the female lawmaker never apologized.

She instead accused the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, leading to several litigations while she was on suspension.

Upon the completion of her six months suspension, the National Assembly on September 23, unsealed her office located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing.

The management of the National Assembly had on Sunday cautioned against picketing of the complex.

The warning followed the decision of members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, who are threatening to embark on industrial action over alleged unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting staff.