The Senate is set to resume plenary today after nearly three months of recess, with heightened security around the National Assembly complex as uncertainty surrounds the fate of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The upper legislative chamber had adjourned on July 24 for its annual break, initially scheduled to reconvene on September 23.
However, a memo signed by the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Chinedu Akubueze, later postponed the resumption to October 7.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who completed a six-month suspension on September 6, is expected to return to the chamber today.
She was suspended in March for alleged misconduct and refusal to adhere to the Senate’s sitting arrangement during plenary on February 20.
Although the Senate leadership had indicated that an early return was possible if she issued a written apology, the lawmaker declined to do so. Instead, she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment, sparking legal disputes during her suspension.
Following the completion of her suspension, the National Assembly reopened her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, on September 23.
However, Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant on Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Senate President, told Channels Television that the Senate would decide today whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan would be allowed to resume her legislative duties.
Meanwhile, security has been intensified around the National Assembly to forestall protests as the chamber reconvenes.
The management of the National Assembly on Sunday warned against any picketing of the complex.
This comes amid threats by members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) to embark on industrial action over unresolved welfare and constitutional issues affecting staff.