Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has announced her intention to resume legislative duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday, July 22, following several months of suspension.

Speaking to journalists during a constituency training event on Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she has officially informed the Senate of her planned return. “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire,” she said. “However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God. I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”

The embattled senator was suspended on March 6 for allegedly violating Senate standing rules. Her suspension followed a claim she made on the floor of the Senate, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment a matter she later pursued in court.

Akpoti-Uduaghan lamented the impact of the suspension on her legislative duties, particularly her inability to sponsor bills and motions. “I did mention that every senator has three major functions legislative, which is the creation of laws and review of treaties. Then we have oversight which is to oversee ministries and agencies. And then the third is representation which I’m doing,” she explained.

She added that although she has remained active in her constituency and has worked to ensure their concerns are reflected in the federal budget, the suspension curtailed her contributions to national debates and lawmaking.

In July, a Federal High Court in Abuja ordered her immediate reinstatement, ruling that the Senate’s suspension was excessive. However, the Senate has insisted it will not act on the judgment until it receives the certified true copy (CTC) of the court’s decision. Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has filed an appeal against the ruling.

Despite the ongoing legal tussle, Akpoti-Uduaghan affirmed her resolve to return to the red chamber and continue serving her constituents. “Of course, I do miss putting up my bills there, but it didn’t stop me from working,” she said.