There was tension at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central attempted to resume her legislative duties but was blocked at the entrance by security officials.
The embattled senator arrived on foot after security denied her car access accompanied by vocal activist Aisha Yesufu and a crowd of cheering supporters who had gathered in solidarity.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s move followed a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared her suspension from the Senate unconstitutional and excessive. Riding on that judgment, she announced her intention to return to plenary on Tuesday.
But her efforts hit a wall literally as security agents stationed at the complex refused her entry into the Senate chamber.
In a dramatic twist, the Senate's spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed the court judgment as non-binding. He argued that the ruling was merely an “advisory opinion” and not an enforceable order compelling the Senate to reinstate her.
Unfazed by the pushback, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted she had every right to reclaim her seat, even requesting the reinstatement of her official security personnel ahead of her return.
Earlier in the day, videos flooded social media showing a beefed-up security presence around the National Assembly with armed operatives visibly manning key access points—seemingly to forestall any unrest.
The senator’s suspension, which dates back to March 6, stemmed from allegations of misconduct, including a controversial claim against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate President has since denied the accusations.
As of the time of filing this report, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was still locked out of the red chamber while her supporters continued to chant and protest outside the gates, demanding justice and her immediate reinstatement.
