Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed deep appreciation to the people of Kogi Central for their unwavering support during what she described as a period of “unscrupulous intimidation.” The senator made this known in a statement to journalists on Tuesday after attending her first Senate plenary session in six months, following the completion of her suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate marks the end of a tense standoff that began on March 6, 2025, when she was suspended over alleged misconduct after protesting what she called an “unjust reassignment” of her Senate seat by President Godswill Akpabio. Her office, which had been sealed since then, was reopened two weeks ago by the Sergeant-at-Arms after her legal team insisted she had served her full suspension period.

In her statement, the lawmaker said, “My attendance at plenary today is a testament of resilience by the good people of Kogi Central and Nigerians, especially their courage to resist every unscrupulous intimidation. While averting Hon. Rifkatu Danna’s dilemma, our victory is the people’s and God.” She reaffirmed her commitment to serve her constituents faithfully and urged the courts to be fair and swift in deciding the pending matters.

The Senate reconvened on Tuesday after an extended recess, amid public interest in whether the outspoken Kogi senator would be allowed to resume duties. While Senate officials declined to comment, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return signals the conclusion of one of the most controversial disciplinary cases in the 10th National Assembly.