Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday decried her denial of access to the National Assembly complex despite a valid court order nullifying her suspension, vowing to seek redress at the appellate court.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Natasha, who was suspended by the Senate earlier this year for six months, on Tuesday, attempted to resume legislative duties following a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared her suspension unconstitutional and ordered her immediate reinstatement.
However, upon arriving at the National Assembly, security personnel at the gate blocked the Kogi Central lawmaker, sparking fresh controversy over the Senate’s compliance with judicial directives.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the action as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of contempt.
“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I want Nigerians to know that the Office of the Senate President does not give me legitimacy. That legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who elected me,” she said.
She stressed that the Senate’s appeal of the court ruling did not invalidate the judgment or her constitutional right to resume her duties.
“The fact that an appeal has been filed does not set aside the subsisting judgment of Justice Binta Nyako. It does not stop me from being a senator,” she added.
Condemning the Senate’s action, she said, “This is a clear statement, it’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to defy a court order. It is ironic that lawmakers would lead in breaking the law. That raises serious questions about the health of our democracy.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan also described her initial suspension as legally flawed.
“Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty and the process questionable,” she claimed.
Regarding her next steps, the senator said she would consult with her legal team to pursue further action at the appellate level.
“I’m a law-abiding citizen. I will meet with my legal team and proceed to the appellate court for an interpretation of what just transpired,” she stated.
As of press time, the Senate leadership has not issued an official statement regarding the Tuesday’s incident.
