Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, has explained that her invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers for the commissioning of projects in Kogi State was fully in line with legislative procedure.
On Thursday, Akpoti-Uduaghan extended an invitation to Akpabio and fellow senators to attend a project commissioning event in her constituency — just two months after her return from suspension.
Marking her second year in office this week, the senator noted that she followed due process by formally writing to the Senate through the presiding officer for her letter to be read on the floor, in accordance with parliamentary custom.
“Today, as is customary for announcements of such nature, I wrote a letter to the Senate through the presiding officer to the Senate President to read on the floor,” she stated in a press release.
She added, “I put out the invitation so it wouldn’t seem like I was celebrating in isolation. I’m a progressive person. Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that her actions reflected her commitment to due process and institutional respect, stressing that the commissioning of projects was centered on public service, not personal recognition.
Earlier in the year, on February 20, the senator clashed with Akpabio during a heated debate over seating arrangements in the upper legislative chamber.
She later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment, a claim Akpabio strongly denied.
Following the incident, the Senate suspended her for six months on March 6, after adopting the report by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
Since her return to the chamber on September 24, Akpoti-Uduaghan has gradually resumed full legislative duties.
On October 18, she participated in a legislative retreat organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and on Thursday, she sponsored a bill seeking to establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centers across Nigeria to advance early diagnosis, research, education, and care for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).