Gambian lawmaker asks senate to reinstate Natasha Akpoti

Natasha

Fatoumatta Njai, a Gambian lawmaker, has asked the Nigerian senate to reinstate Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi central.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had, in a letter dated August 28, 2025, notified the clerk to the national assembly of her intention to resume on September 4, the date she said marked the end of her six-month suspension.

On Tuesday, the national assembly prevented Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming legislative duties, insisting that her suspension is still a subject of litigation.

Njai, who chairs the gender and children’s welfare committee of the Gambian parliament, made the demand in a letter dated September 9, 2025, and addressed to Godswill Akpabio, senate president.

She said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which has lasted six months, was excessive and contrary to the 1999 constitution.

“Today it is the distinguished senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, tomorrow it could be me,” Njai wrote.

“I believe that after the six months of unlawful suspension, she must be reinstated with immediate effect.” Thecable