Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has vowed to challenge the leadership of the Senate in court after she was barred from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday despite a court ruling ordering her reinstatement.
Speaking to journalists, an irate Akpoti-Uduaghan described the Senate’s action as a clear violation of a valid court judgment and said she would immediately consult her legal team to initiate an appeal.
“Even the suspension itself was fraudulent from the beginning,” she said. “I am a law-abiding citizen, and I will take this up legally.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of defying the constitution. “Akpabio is not above the Nigerian Constitution. My legitimacy does not come from his office but from the people of Kogi who elected me.”
She emphasized that the court decision by Justice Binta Nyako remains in force, regardless of any appeal filed by the Senate. “The Senate’s refusal to admit me is a clear act of contempt. It’s shameful that lawmakers are breaking the law.”
The senator was accompanied by activist Aisha Yesufu and a crowd of supporters to the National Assembly gates, where a heavy security presence blocked their entry. At least five police patrol vehicles were stationed at the premises, and stern-looking operatives conducted strict searches.
Yesufu, visibly angered, condemned the security agents’ actions. “This is not the Nigeria we want for our children,” she said. “You’re denying people access and can’t even say who gave the order. One day, you’ll retire and rely on the same people you’re oppressing.”
She described the police as “a shameless willing tool of oppression,” noting the irony of officers dispersing a protest organized in support of police welfare just days ago.
As of press time, the Senate leadership had not issued any formal statement on the incident.
However, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, had earlier stated that the Senate stood by its decision to maintain Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, claiming there was no court directive demanding her immediate recall.
Akpoti-Uduaghan contended that the suspension had limited her ability to function legislatively, particularly in sponsoring bills and moving motions, though it did not stop her from carrying out constituency projects. Her lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, supported this view, saying her status as a senator remains valid. “She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he asserted in a phone interview.
Natasha’s six-month suspension by the Senate followed a disagreement over seating arrangements, but was later quashed by a Federal High Court ruling. Her attempt to resume was based on that judgment.
Meanwhile, legal practitioner Ken Harries criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan’s move to enforce a judgment she had already appealed. In a statement, he described her action as contradictory and unlawful. “You can’t enforce a judgment you’ve openly appealed and asked to be set aside,” he said.
Harries also noted that the court ruling required her to pay ₦5 million in damages and issue a public apologyconditions he claims she hasn’t fulfilled. “If she hasn’t complied with those terms, she lacks the moral ground to accuse others of lawlessness,” he concluded.
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