Tension unfolded at the National Assembly on Tuesday as security operatives blocked suspended senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, from gaining access to the Senate chamber—despite her insistence on resuming legislative duties.
HeadlineNews reports that Senator Natasha had vowed over the weekend to return to plenary on Tuesday, July 22, citing a recent ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The lawmaker argued that the court’s judgment nullified her suspension and reaffirmed her right to resume duties.
However, the Senate maintains a different stance.
In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, dismissed Natasha’s interpretation of the judgment. He clarified that the ruling did not mandate the Senate to immediately lift her suspension, describing it as merely an “advisory opinion” rather than a binding directive.
Despite the clarification, Senator Natasha arrived at the National Assembly premises Tuesday morning, determined to force a return. She was seen riding in a black vehicle, accompanied by her entourage and civil rights activist Aisha Yesufu, who led a show of solidarity.
Her convoy was, however, halted by security agents at the first gate of the National Assembly complex. After a brief standoff, Natasha emerged from her vehicle and proceeded on foot into the complex, flanked by supporters chanting slogans and demanding her reinstatement.
At the second gate, she encountered another blockade. Security personnel stood their ground and refused her entry, instructing her to turn back. Undeterred, the senator and her group pressed forward but were met with a locked gate leading to the Senate wing.
Unable to gain access to the chamber where Tuesday’s plenary was already in progress, Natasha’s supporters were later seen dispersing peacefully from the National Assembly premises, frustrated by the unsuccessful attempt.
This latest confrontation marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing dispute between Senator Natasha and the leadership of the Senate. It also underscores the legal ambiguity surrounding her suspension, which has generated heated public debate and political tension within the National Assembly.
As of the time of this report, there is no official statement from Senator Natasha’s team following the blockade. However, analysts say her defiant posture signals that the matter is far from over, with legal and political fireworks likely to continue in the coming weeks.
Stay with HeadlineNews for further updates.
