Weeks after her dramatic return from a six-month suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has extended an olive branch to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, inviting him and other lawmakers to the inauguration of constituency projects in Kogi State.
The move, seen by many insiders as a significant thaw in their frosty relationship, came through a personally signed letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan, which was read aloud during Thursday’s plenary by Akpabio himself.
“In marking my second year anniversary as serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow distinguished senators to join me for projects inauguration in Kogi State,” the letter partly read.
According to the invitation, the event will hold on Sunday in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area, with the meeting point fixed at her residence, Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street.
For lawmakers traveling by air, the senator advised that the Obajana airstrip could be used before proceeding by road to Ihima.
Apparently pleased, Akpabio responded warmly after reading the letter, saying, “Congratulations in advance.”
The gesture marks a turning point in a once-bitter rift between the two senators.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, 2025, following a heated face-off with Akpabio over the reallocation of her seat during plenary.
Her protest at the time led to accusations of “gross misconduct” and a dramatic walkout that drew national attention.
She further accused Akpabio of running the upper chamber with a “dictatorial hand,” while the Senate President insisted her actions breached parliamentary decorum.
Although her suspension expired in September, she only regained access to her office two weeks ago after a months-long standoff and court filings.
Since her reinstatement, Akpoti-Uduaghan has gradually resumed participation in plenary sessions, including contributing an amendment to the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill 2025 last week.
Thursday’s invitation read by Akpabio signals the clearest sign yet of rapprochement between the two camps.
Observers see the gesture as a strategic reconciliation move by the fiery Kogi senator, whose return to the Senate had reignited debates about gender representation, dissent, and discipline within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber.
The Punch
