Shehu Sani Reacts as Senate Blocks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Resumption

Former Kaduna lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the ongoing tussle between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership as her six-month suspension edges to its supposed expiration.

In a post shared on social media, Sani expressed concern that the tactics being used suggest Natasha’s return to plenary may not happen anytime soon. According to him, tying her resumption to pending court matters leaves the process without a definite timeline.

“Once a senator is suspended, the suspension dagger will be looking for the neck of any senator who wants to stand up and be another hero. That’s why you will see your opposition senators just pull back and chill,” he noted, hinting at the chilling effect such sanctions could have on legislative dissent.

The controversy deepened after the National Assembly, through a letter signed by Acting Clerk Dr Yahaya Danzaria, rejected Natasha’s notification to resume duties. The letter, dated September 4, 2025, clarified that her suspension remains until the Court of Appeal delivers judgment on the matter.

Natasha, representing Kogi Central, insists her suspension ended September 4, having served six months since March 6. But the Senate maintains her case is still sub judice, linking her fate to judicial interpretation. For now, her seat in the red chamber remains cold, with uncertainty hanging over when, or if, she will return.