The standoff at the National Assembly on Tuesday left Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan standing outside locked gates—again denied entry into the Senate chamber.
Her return had been widely expected following a Federal High Court ruling that voided her six-month suspension and ordered her reinstatement. But the Senate leadership had other plans.
Arriving just before noon in a black car, the Kogi Central senator was stopped by security at the first gate. She stepped out, flanked by supporters and activist Aisha Yesufu, determined to proceed.
But the second gate was firmly shut.
“That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a clear statement,” she said, visibly agitated. “The National Assembly under Akpabio has chosen to act in contempt of court.”
Legal Battle Far from Over
Natasha had earlier vowed to resume plenary after Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ruled in her favour. She insisted that the judgment was binding, despite an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution,” she told reporters. “My legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who voted me in.”
She called the Senate’s refusal to obey the court “a dangerous precedent” and accused Akpabio of “acting in contempt of court.”
“The Office of the Senate President does not give me legitimacy,” she declared. “An appeal does not invalidate that ruling.”
The senator described the initial suspension as “fraudulent and procedurally flawed,” questioning the legality of the document on which it was based.
‘I Will Not Back Down’
On March 6, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for alleged misconduct, including claims that she accused Senate leaders of sexual harassment.
The suspension drew wide condemnation and prompted her to challenge the action in court. Her victory at the Federal High Court appeared to signal her return — until Tuesday.
The Senate, through spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, insisted it would not allow her back until it had considered the “advisory opinion of the court.”
“We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate under a false pretext,” Adaramodu warned.
But Natasha is not retreating.
“I will meet with my legal team to proceed to the appellate court for interpretation of what just happened,” she said. “I am a law-abiding citizen and will continue to pursue justice through due process.”
Should the Senate obey the court’s decision, or do they have a right to delay her return until the appeal is determined? Legal experts…Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
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