The Nigerian Senate on Thursday adjourned plenary until September 23, 2025, for its annual recess—effectively ensuring that embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan will serve out the remainder of her six‑month suspension without returning to the chamber.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate the adjournment came just two days after the Kogi Central lawmaker was prevented from resuming legislative duties, despite a court judgment that had declared her suspension unconstitutional.

Akpoti‑Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, after a heated confrontation on the Senate floor regarding her refusal to change seats. She had anticipated returning after her six‑month suspension was due to lapse on September 6, but the Senate’s recess now pushes her next opportunity to appear in plenary to September 23.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, she described her suspension as both “fraudulent” and “contemptuous.”

“Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent; the document was faulty. I will meet with my legal team so they can approach the appellate court for an interpretation of what has just happened. I am a law‑abiding citizen,” she said, further accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of acting unilaterally in enforcing the sanction.

Announcing the recess, Akpabio explained that it was in line with the National Assembly’s legislative calendar, noting that the House of Representatives had already commenced its own break.

“We have started a new calendar that will take us to next year, June. It has fallen within this period for us to take a break and undertake major oversight functions,” he told the chamber.

While plenary sessions are suspended, Akpabio directed all standing committees to continue with their assignments and to submit reports upon resumption.

“You are moving from plenary for the next few weeks, but you are not stopping your legislative duties. Members are expected to travel across the country to monitor ongoing projects. When we resume, you are expected to present your reports committee by committee,” he said.

He specifically urged committees such as the Diaspora, Interior, and Reparation Committees to visit prisons and other field locations during the recess.

Before the adjournment motion was adopted, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele commended his colleagues for their efforts in ensuring a smooth legislative year.

“We thank all our colleagues for everything they have done to advance lawmaking on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria,” Bamidele said while moving that all pending matters be deferred to the next legislative day.

In a somber moment, Akpabio announced the death of Professor Janet Plang, wife of Senator Diket Plang, informing the chamber that arrangements had been made for senators to attend her funeral in Plateau State, with a chartered flight scheduled to leave Abuja on Friday at 8:00 a.m.