Senator Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West has thrown his support behind his embattled colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling for her swift return to legislative duties after her controversial suspension that drew nationwide backlash.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6 following a tense exchange with Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement she said was deliberately crafted to humiliate her. The disagreement quickly spiraled after she publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of punishing her for allegedly turning down his sexual advances—an accusation Akpabio denies.
The drama, which ignited heated debates both inside and outside the National Assembly, took a legal turn when Akpoti-Uduaghan approached the courts to challenge her suspension. On July 4, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in her favour, ordering the Senate to reinstate her.
Reacting to the court’s ruling, Senator Dickson told reporters that he had never supported the decision to remove Akpoti-Uduaghan and welcomed the judgment directing her return.
“I never supported her suspension,” he said. “And I hope she will resume her duties in the Senate as soon as possible.”
His comments add weight to growing calls for accountability in the legislative chamber, with critics accusing the Senate leadership of weaponizing its powers to silence dissenting voices—especially women.
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