Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, made a bold return to the National Assembly complex on Monday, as a crowd of supporters gathered at the entrance in anticipation of her arrival.
The scene outside the parliament was tense, with a heavy security presence unlike the usual Monday calm.
Armed police officers searched vehicles thoroughly, while visitors were held back at the outer parking lot. At least five police patrol vans were seen stationed at key points near the entrance, signaling heightened vigilance.
This comes in the wake of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement over the weekend that she intended to resume legislative duties following her suspension in March. The senator cited a recent court ruling which she said cleared her path back to the red chamber, despite Senate resistance.
“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that,” she told journalists during a constituency empowerment programme.
“Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”
While her suspension did not stop her from carrying out constituency projects, she maintained that it hindered her ability to sponsor bills and move motions on the Senate floor.
Backing her stance, her legal counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, West Idahosa, emphasized that her rights as a legislator remain intact, and her constituents ultimately have the final say.
“She is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, pointing to the ongoing court processes and the constitutional implications of her suspension.
However, the Senate leadership has remained firm, reiterating that Akpoti-Uduaghan remains barred from legislative duties until her suspension expires. The Senate’s spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, stressed that there is no existing legal directive reversing the disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, human rights advocate and co-convener of #BringBackOurGirls, Aisha Yesufu, announced that she will accompany Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to the chamber on Tuesday in a show of solidarity and defiance.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Yesufu accused the Senate of acting “with impunity” and condemned what she called a clear disregard for constitutional order.
“This suspension is illegal, unconstitutional and must be reversed,” Yesufu declared.
As of press time, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media aide, Isah Bala, could not confirm whether the senator would make an attempt to physically access the chamber on Monday or Tuesday.
“We just returned from a programme in Okene, and I can’t confirm yet,” he said.
The standoff between the embattled senator and the leadership of the Senate continues to stir political debate and legal uncertainty, raising questions about the limits of legislative authority and the rights of elected representatives in Nigeria’s democracy.
