Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday attempted to resume her legislative duties at the National Assembly, following a Federal High Court decision ordering her recall, but was denied access by security officials.
The Kogi Central lawmaker arrived at the National Assembly complex in a black vehicle around noon but was stopped by security personnel at the first gate. After a brief standoff, she alighted from her vehicle and, accompanied by a group of supporters including prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, proceeded on foot into the complex.
However, she was again stopped at the second gate, where she was instructed to turn back. Undeterred, the senator and her team made their way past the checkpoint, only to meet a locked gate preventing further access.
Despite repeated efforts to gain entry, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters were ultimately turned away. Addressing the press afterwards, she expressed disappointment over the incident and announced plans to consult her legal team to determine her next steps. She vowed to return once the Senate reconvenes after its expected two-month recess.
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Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier declared her intention to resume plenary on July 22, citing a court judgement in her favour. The Federal High Court had recently ruled that her six-month suspension from the Senate was illegal and ordered her immediate recall. Her suspension, which began in March, followed allegations she made of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate, however, has challenged the court’s ruling. Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu last week insisted there was no enforceable court order requiring the chamber to recall the senator immediately. He advised her against what he termed “a premature return,” warning that any attempt to force her way in would “undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process.”
According to Adaramodu, the Senate will in due time consider the court’s advisory opinion and communicate its decision to the senator.
For now, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains unable to take her seat, as the standoff between the judiciary and the legislative arm continues.
