Tension at N’Assembly as Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Denied Entry Despite Court Ruling
Security operatives on Monday locked all entrances to the National Assembly Complex, effectively preventing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from accessing the premises as she attempted to resume legislative duties.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had vowed to return to the red chamber following a court ruling which she claimed backed her reinstatement. Her suspension in March stemmed from alleged misconduct, including accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio — an allegation Akpabio has since denied.
Arriving in a black vehicle, Akpoti-Uduaghan was stopped by security agents who barred her entry. Her convoy, including a car carrying activist Aisha Yesufu, was turned away. Undeterred, she alighted from her car and proceeded toward the main gate on foot, accompanied by cheering supporters.
Her insistence on resuming duties has stirred renewed tension within the legislature. But the Senate maintains there is no binding directive requiring them to lift her suspension immediately.
“There is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” said Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu in a statement issued Sunday.
He further clarified: “The court only gave a non-binding advisory and did not issue any mandatory directive requiring the Senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.”
Adaramodu added that the Senate would “review the court’s advisory at the appropriate time and communicate its decision accordingly.”
As of press time, plenary had commenced without her, and security remained tight with all vehicular access points still under lock.
