The political frost between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, appears to have thawed as the lawmaker on Thursday formally invited Akpabio and all Senators to her constituency project commissioning in Kogi State.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for six months earlier this year following a dramatic row over seat reallocation in the chamber, extended the olive branch via a letter read during plenary by the Senate President.
The invitation, personally signed by her, is for the commissioning of completed constituency projects in Ihima, Okene Local Government Area, on Sunday, to mark her second anniversary in the Senate.
“In marking my second-year anniversary as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite my distinguished colleagues to join me for the commissioning of projects in Kogi State,” the letter read in part.
The event, according to the letter, is scheduled to commence from her residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street, Ihima. Senators travelling by air are expected to land at the Obajana Airstrip before proceeding to the venue.
Akpabio, who read the letter to the chamber, responded with a mild tone that suggested tensions had mellowed.
“Congratulations in advance,” the Senate President told Natasha, amid applause from some lawmakers.
The relationship between both senators turned frosty earlier this year after Akpoti-Uduaghan protested a controversial reshuffling of seats in the upper chamber.
The face-off escalated, leading to her suspension on March 6, 2025, in a move critics described as politically motivated.
She returned on September 24 following the expiration of the suspension and has since resumed active legislative activities.
Observers say her latest move signals the clearest indication yet of a reconciliation and an attempt to restore collegiality in the Senate.
“Politics is dynamic. What Nigerians want is service delivery, not endless fights,” a legislative aide familiar with the development said “This invitation is symbolic — it resets the tone.”
Since her return, the senator has participated in key debates, including the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, where she successfully moved an additional prayer for adoption.
Political analysts say Sunday’s event may serve as a public demonstration of unity, especially with the Senate leadership expected at the ceremony.
“This is not just about projects — it is a political statement of reconciliation and maturity,” another senior parliamentary source said.
With her constituency projects set for unveiling and political tension seemingly eased, all eyes will be on Kogi Central this weekend for what could be a symbolic resetting of relations in the Red Chamber.
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