THE Senate on Thursday adjourned plenary until September 23, 2025, marking the start of its annual recess and effectively ensuring that suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan serves out her six-month suspension in full.
News Point Nigeria reports that the embattled lawmaker from Kogi Central, who was suspended on March 6, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, had attempted to return to the chamber earlier this week, citing a court order.
However, she was denied entry, with Senate authorities insisting the suspension still stands.
With the recess now in effect, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to plenary will only be possible after the break ends, coinciding with the end of her suspension on September 6.
Her punishment followed a report by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty of insubordination and disruption of proceedings during a heated exchange in February.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in announcing the recess, said it aligns with the legislative calendar and noted that the House of Representatives had already gone on break.
“We have started a new calendar that will take us to June next year. So it has fallen within this period for us to go on a break to enable us undertake major oversights,” Akpabio said.
Though plenary sessions will be suspended, he emphasized that committee work must continue, urging lawmakers to visit project sites, prisons, and engage in oversight duties.
“You are not stopping your legislative responsibilities. That is what you were elected to do,” he said.
He also informed senators about the death of Prof. Janet Plang, wife of Senator Diket Plang, noting that arrangements had been made for senators to travel to Plateau State for the funeral.
Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved a motion to adjourn remaining business to the next legislative day after recess, which was adopted unanimously.
This development comes just hours after News Point Nigeria reported that Senator Natasha was briefly delayed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a British Airways flight to London.
Sources told this newspaper that immigration officers cited a watch list issued by National Assembly leadership, claiming she was considered a flight risk, a move the Senator described as illegal and politically motivated.
“There is no court order restricting me, and I’ve never missed any court appearance,” she said.
Eyewitnesses at the airport described her as visibly distressed, though she was eventually allowed to travel after some delay.