There was a mild drama at the entrance of the National Assembly complex on Tuesday in Abuja as security operatives barred suspended Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from gaining access to the premises.
According to local media reports, the senator arrived at the gate accompanied by activist Aisha Yesufu, rights advocate Mama P, activist Randy, and a crowd of supporters, but was denied entry by security officials.
Speaking to journalists, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep frustration with the Senate leadership, especially given a recent court ruling in her favour.
”It’s about me, a duly elected senator walking into the chambers to resume my constitutional duties.
“I had duly notified the Senate through two letters that I would be resuming functions today, July 22nd, 2025,” she said, raising two major concerns: the heavy police presence and the Senate’s alleged defiance of a court order,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Senate spokesman, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, defended her denial from entering the Senate.
Adaramodu told Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remained suspended and could not resume legislative duties.
But Human rights advocate, Precious Oruche, has described the 10th National Assembly as “one of the worst” in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Oruche accused the National Assembly of disregarding the constitution and disobeying court orders in the ongoing saga involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
He decried the Senate’s refusal to honour a court judgment believed to have called for the recall of the suspended senator.
“They (Senate) see Nigerians as jokers, as a joke. Nigeria has become an open crime scene, but let them be aware that this generation will fix it. We will not allow them to abuse the judiciary. Lawmakers are now lawbreakers.
“This 10th Assembly is one of the worst Nigeria has ever had, and people need to call it what it is. The court has ordered Senator Natasha to be recalled,” Oruche said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
It will be recalled that in March, 2025, the Senate suspended Senator Uduagha for six months for violating its rules despite her allegations of sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
GIK/APA