Samuel Omang
The political tension at the National Assembly escalated on Tuesday as security operatives barred Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the main complex despite a court judgment nullifying her six-month suspension.
Arriving at the Assembly with a convoy of vehicles, Akpoti-Uduaghan was stopped at the gate by heavily armed policemen. Determined to resume plenary, she walked into the premises on foot, flanked by rights activist Aisha Yesufu and her supporters.
The senator had earlier served notice of her intention to resume legislative duties following a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako, who declared her suspension excessive and directed the Senate leadership to reinstate her.
However, the Senate leadership, in a statement last week, warned that her planned resumption would be considered “illegal,” insisting that her suspension, which began in March over accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and “unparliamentary behaviour,” remains in effect.
Speaking to journalists outside the National Assembly, an angry Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate, under Akpabio’s leadership, of breaking the law by defying the court’s directive. She expressed shock at the heavy security presence, describing it as an attempt to intimidate her and silence her representation of Kogi Central.
“The court has asked me to resume, and under Section 318 of the Constitution, judgments can take different forms, including recommendations, which applies to my case,” she said. She also revealed that while Akpabio has appealed the ruling, the appeal was filed in his personal capacity and not by the Senate or its Ethics Committee.
Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to seek further legal interpretation from the appellate court on the National Assembly’s refusal to allow her access to the chambers.
The unfolding drama has triggered widespread reactions, with civil rights groups and women’s advocates rallying behind the senator, warning that any attempt to undermine a court judgment could deepen the political crisis in the Senate.
Senate leadership has yet to issue a fresh response to the incident, even as security within the National Assembly remains tight.