Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio to inaugurate projects in Kogi State.
The gesture signals reconciliation after months of tension and her earlier suspension.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has invited Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators to the inauguration of several constituency projects in Kogi State. The invitation is seen as a peace gesture following months of tension between both lawmakers.
Her letter of invitation was read by Akpabio during Thursday’s plenary session. In the letter, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that the event would mark her second anniversary as a serving senator and would take place on Sunday in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area. The meeting point, she said, would be her residence, while lawmakers travelling by air could land at the Obajana airstrip before proceeding by road to the venue.
Responding after reading the letter, Akpabio congratulated her in advance, a remark that drew attention across the chamber as it reflected a calmer tone between the two.
The gesture represents a major step toward reconciliation after the Kogi senator’s earlier suspension from the National Assembly. Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a heated dispute with the Senate leadership over the relocation of her seat during plenary. The incident led to allegations of misconduct and a dramatic walkout that attracted nationwide attention.
During the confrontation, she accused Akpabio of running the Senate with what she described as a “dictatorial hand,” while the Senate President maintained that her actions violated parliamentary order. Her six-month suspension expired in September, but she was only reinstated two weeks ago after a prolonged standoff and legal exchanges.
Since her return, the senator has gradually resumed active participation in Senate affairs. Last week, she contributed to the debate on the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill 2025. Thursday’s open invitation, however, appears to be her most visible move toward mending relations with the Senate leadership.
