Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) resumed her legislative duties on Tuesday after a six-month suspension, striking a defiant tone by declaring she would not issue any apology to the Senate as a condition for her return.
The lawmaker’s access to her office at the National Assembly was restored after the Sergeant-at-Arms unsealed it, marking a formal end to her suspension. However, addressing journalists shortly after, Senator Natasha made it clear that her return was not contingent on an apology, which she deemed unnecessary for what she described as an injustice.
She expressed concern over unofficial reports suggesting an apology might be required from her. “So, I am actually worried as to what apology they expect from me. You can’t apologise for an injustice,” she stated firmly.
The senator maintained that her suspension was fundamentally unjust and argued that standing up to such actions should never warrant an apology. She acknowledged the difficulties of the past six months but expressed gratitude to her constituents, family, and supportive colleagues for their steadfastness.
Reflecting on the ordeal, she framed it as a necessary challenge to the institution’s processes. “In everything, it just shows that sometimes it’s good to put the institutions to test. We can’t be cowed in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us,” she said.
Despite the conflict, Senator Natasha ended her remarks on an optimistic note, urging Nigerians not to lose faith in the country. “There is light at the end of the tunnel,” she added, suggesting that the outcome of her challenge could strengthen democratic accountability.
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