(DDM) – The Nigerian Senate officially resumed plenary on Tuesday after a 10-week recess, marking the beginning of a new legislative session at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the session was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, following the absence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was noticeably missing at the time the sitting commenced.
The absence of Akpabio, who has often been the focal point of both praise and criticism in the 10th Senate, sparked discussions among observers about internal political realignments within the upper chamber.
Some insiders suggested that the Senate President may have stayed away for official engagements, while others believe his absence was strategic, given recent political undercurrents between the executive and legislature.
A major highlight of Tuesday’s plenary was the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, who made a dramatic comeback to the Red Chamber six months after her suspension.
Her reappearance drew significant attention from colleagues, aides, and journalists in attendance. Many described her return as “symbolic” and “defiant,” especially given her reputation for confronting corruption and advocating for transparency in public projects.
Senator Natasha’s earlier suspension, which occurred in April 2025, followed a heated altercation during a plenary debate over alleged irregularities in federal constituency project allocations.
The Senate leadership had accused her of making “unsubstantiated remarks” against the Appropriation Committee, an allegation she consistently denied.
Her suspension triggered public outrage, with several civil society groups and women’s advocacy organizations calling for her immediate reinstatement, arguing that the action was politically motivated and a reflection of the systemic suppression of outspoken female lawmakers in Nigeria.
Her reinstatement, DDM learned, was facilitated after intense pressure from the public and several senior legislators who reportedly appealed to the leadership of the National Assembly to reconsider her case in the spirit of justice and inclusivity.
During her return to plenary, Natasha was seen exchanging pleasantries with fellow lawmakers, while her supporters in the public gallery applauded her re-entry into the chamber.
A legislative source told DDM that her comeback could reshape internal power dynamics in the Senate, particularly among reform-minded legislators pushing for greater oversight and independence from the executive arm of government.
The session, which marked the end of the lawmakers’ long recess, also saw the presentation of new motions and bills aimed at addressing key national challenges such as insecurity, rising inflation, power sector reforms, and the implementation of the 2025 budget.
Senators reportedly discussed the need for improved collaboration between the legislative and executive branches, with some emphasizing the importance of oversight to ensure accountability in public spending.
Observers noted that the atmosphere in the chamber was lively and marked by renewed enthusiasm, as senators settled down to resume full-scale legislative duties.
Political analysts told DDM that the 10th Senate faces a critical period as it navigates public dissatisfaction over economic hardship, allegations of corruption, and concerns about governance effectiveness.
For Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, her return represents both a personal triumph and a political statement, reaffirming her resilience and determination to serve her constituency despite institutional pushback.
As plenary activities resume, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the Senate will live up to expectations by passing impactful laws, ensuring executive accountability, and addressing the growing economic and social challenges confronting the nation.
With Senate President Akpabio’s absence still unexplained and political undercurrents intensifying within the chamber, the days ahead may reveal deeper realignments in Nigeria’s upper legislative house as it enters another defining phase of its tenure.
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