The Senate resumed plenary on Tuesday after a 10-week recess, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the session.
A noticeable presence at the chambers was the embattled Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who made a return after serving a six-month suspension.
In a show of international solidarity, some senators attended the session dressed in Palestinian colours and attire, expressing support for a free Palestine.
In his opening address, Senate President Akpabio charged lawmakers to recommit themselves to accountability, discipline, and purposeful governance.
Addressing his colleagues in the red chamber, Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s responsibility to the Nigerian people, saying:
“To the citizens of Nigeria, we hear you. You asked us not for excuses, but for results. We will remain accountable and responsive.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan finally resumed plenary on Tuesday after several unsuccessful attempts to return earlier.
She had been suspended in March over an alleged violation of the Senate’s standing rules — a decision that generated public criticism and condemnation from civil society groups and opposition figures.
While the Senate defended its action, the PDP lawmaker challenged the suspension in court in July and made an attempt to resume, which was denied by the upper chamber.
Although the case remains in court, she completed her six-month suspension in September and formally notified the Senate of her intention to return to duty.
In her letter, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed the Senate of her readiness to resume, but the leadership stated it would not take further action until the court concluded the matter.