There was tension at the National Assembly complex in Abuja today as heavily armed security personnel prevented Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from accessing the premises, despite a valid court judgment nullifying her earlier suspension from the Senate.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had earlier announced through her media channels and during a press briefing that she would be resuming at the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, following a court judgment that voided her six-month suspension. True to her word, she arrived at the complex in the company of prominent human rights activist Aisha Yesufu and members of her team, intending to reclaim her seat and resume legislative duties. However, to the shock of observers and supporters, Senator Natasha’s convoy was halted at the main entrance by security operatives who refused to allow her passage into the chambers. Her black SUV and a leading vehicle carrying Yesufu were both denied entry.
The standoff has drawn widespread criticism from political observers and civil society organizations who say the action is a direct violation of the rule of law and a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, had earlier ruled that the six-month suspension handed down to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was “excessive and unconstitutional.” The court also invalidated the Senate’s reliance on its Standing Rules and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, stating that no law permits a lawmaker to be suspended in a manner that denies constituents their right to representation.
In response to the Tuesday blockade, Senator Natasha’s media team issued a strongly worded statement condemning the Senate’s refusal to honor the court’s directive.
“What happened today is a blatant violation of democratic order. Senator Natasha was reinstated by a court of law, yet she was treated like an outsider by the very institution she serves,” the statement read.
The Senate, on its part, has remained largely silent, offering no official explanation as to why security agents refused the lawmaker entry. However, earlier reports indicate that the Senate leadership is still awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s judgment before acting on it.
Rights activist Aisha Yesufu, who accompanied the senator in solidarity, took to social media to call out the Senate leadership and described the incident as a “mockery of justice.”
