There was drama at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as security operatives prevented suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from accessing the Senate chambers.
The lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the gate flanked by activist Aisha Yesufu, rights advocate Mama P, activist Randy, and a crowd of supporters. However, they were barred by stern-looking officers manning the entrance.
Yesufu confronted the security personnel, questioning the directive and insisting that the National Assembly belonged to all Nigerians.
“Why are you stopping us? We are not cowards,” she protested, drawing chants of “Push!” from the crowd as tensions escalated briefly.
Despite efforts to gain entry, Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied access. Addressing journalists outside the gate, she condemned the Senate leadership for defying a court judgment she claims grants her the right to resume her legislative duties.
“I notified the Senate through two letters that I would resume on July 22,” she said. “Yet, I was met with heavily armed police. It’s shocking that an unarmed female senator would be charged at like that.”
She accused the Senate of deliberately flouting the constitution and misrepresenting the Federal High Court’s ruling on her suspension.
“There’s been a media narrative suggesting the court didn’t order my reinstatement. But under Section 318 and Section 287(3) of the Constitution, even recommendations or decisions by a court are binding,” she explained.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed claims that the Senate had appealed the court judgment.
“I want to make it clear: the appeal was not filed by the National Assembly or the Senate. It was filed by Senator Godswill Akpabio in his personal capacity. The Clerk of the National Assembly and the Senate were actually listed as respondents,” she clarified, displaying court documents to support her claim.
She vowed to challenge the Senate’s actions through legal means, insisting her suspension had expired and there was no legal barrier to her return.
The confrontation came days after she publicly declared her intention to resume plenary, despite warnings from Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu that her suspension remained valid.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defiance, coupled with growing public support, may further deepen the standoff between her and the Senate leadership as legal and constitutional questions linger.
