Senator Seriake Dickson Endorses Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Reinstatement to the Senate

Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, has publicly expressed his support for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement to the Nigerian Senate. Natasha, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, faced suspension from the Senate following a controversial disagreement with the Senate leadership earlier this year.

It is worth recalling that Senator Natasha was suspended on March 6, 2024, after a heated confrontation erupted regarding a new seating arrangement in the Senate chamber. Senator Natasha alleged that the revised arrangement was a calculated effort to humiliate and sideline her from active legislative participation.

The situation further escalated when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan granted an interview on national television, where she made a serious accusation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. According to Natasha, her suspension was an act of retaliation allegedly instigated by Akpabio in response to her rejection of his purported sexual advances. Senate President Akpabio, however, has categorically denied these allegations, describing them as baseless and defamatory. For more details on this, you can check Premium Times Nigeria’s coverage.

In a recent legal development, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, issued a decisive ruling on July 4, 2025, ordering the Senate to reinstate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The judgment emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring that legislators are not unlawfully deprived of their mandates.

Addressing journalists, Senator Seriake Dickson made his position unequivocally clear, stating that he had never supported the suspension of his colleague. He emphasized the need for tolerance and respect within the legislative assembly, especially when divergent views arise.

“I sympathize deeply with Natasha. I have never endorsed or agreed with any legislative measure that imposes prolonged suspension on a sitting Senator. My standpoint is firmly rooted in the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law, as well as my personal principles. As Senators, our duty is to engage in constructive debates, whether we agree or disagree, in the collective interest of the nation,” Dickson remarked.

He further stressed the importance of allowing Senator Natasha to return to her constitutional duties without further delay. Dickson noted that he was not present when the announcement of Natasha’s suspension was made, but emphasized that his concern was solely about ensuring her prompt return to her senatorial responsibilities.

“My primary concern is for her to return and resume her rightful role in the Senate. The court has made a pronouncement, and that decision should be respected. We are here to serve the people and fulfill our constitutional obligations,” he concluded.