The Senate resumed plenary on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, after a 10-week recess, with Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presiding in the absence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
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.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had, on September 23, resumed duties at the National Assembly Complex after serving her six-month suspension.
Speaking with journalists shortly after gaining access to her office, the lawmaker 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.”
She said: “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.
