Drama unfolded at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as security operatives barred suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from entering the premises — despite a recent court ruling in her favour.
The embattled senator arrived at the N’Assembly gate in the company of prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, rights advocate Mama P, fellow activist Randy, and a crowd of passionate supporters. However, they were met with a heavy security presence that refused her entry.
A visibly agitated Yesufu confronted the officers at the gate, questioning the legality of the order.
“National Assembly is meant to be for everyone. Why are you stopping us?” she demanded. “Our refusal to remain silent doesn’t mean we are cowards.”
As tensions escalated, supporters began chanting “Push!” in an attempt to breach the entrance. The situation grew chaotic before the group eventually marched peacefully toward the complex.
Addressing journalists outside the Assembly, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep frustration and disappointment with the Senate leadership, accusing them of violating both her constitutional rights and a valid court order.
“It’s about me, a duly elected senator, resuming my constitutional duties,” she said. “I notified the Senate through two separate letters of my intention to return today, July 22.”
She decried what she called a deliberate display of intimidation by security forces.
“The number of armed policemen deployed — fully kitted and charging at an unarmed female senator — was nothing short of shocking,” she said.
Court Ruling Ignored
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the Senate had no legal basis to continue enforcing her suspension, citing a recent judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako in her favour. She also accused some media outlets of misrepresenting the nature of the court’s decision.
“They claim the court only gave a recommendation. But under Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution, decisions of a court include judicial decrees, sentences, orders, convictions, and recommendations,” she explained.
“And Section 287(3) is very clear — such decisions are binding on every authority and person in Nigeria, including the Senate.”
Akpabio Acting Alone?
The senator also clarified misinformation circulating about an alleged appeal against the judgment.
“I want to state clearly — it is not the Senate or the National Assembly that appealed this ruling,” she said, holding up a court document. “It is Senator Godswill Akpabio himself. He joined the Clerk of the National Assembly, the entire Senate, and the Chairman of the Ethics Committee as respondents.”
She emphasized that the Committee on Ethics, which initially recommended her suspension, had not filed any appeal either.
“This means Akpabio has effectively taken the Senate and National Assembly to court. Yet, they continue to deny me access to resume.”
Legal Battle Continues
With the gates of the Assembly still shut to her, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to continue seeking redress through legal channels.
“This is more than just about me,” she said. “It’s about defending democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. I will not relent.”
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