Abuja, Nigeria – Tension at the National Assembly rose sharply today after security personnel physically barred Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan from entering the Senate chambers to participate in plenary, even though a Federal High Court declared her suspension unconstitutional.
The incident occurred as the suspended senator—accompanied by rights activist Aisha Yesufu and supporters—arrived at the Assembly complex in the morning. After being stopped at the second gate, Akpoti‑Uduaghan left her vehicle and proceeded on foot toward the chamber, singing solidarity songs with her entourage. Nonetheless, she was denied access by security officials.
Court Judgment vs Senate Authority
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court previously ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti‑Uduaghan in May was excessive and violated constitutional provisions. The court delivered a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to revisit her suspension, not a directive mandating immediate recall—according to Senate leadership. Senate officials, including Chairman of Media and Public Affairs Senator Yemi Adaramodu, maintained the court had no authority to compel the reinstatement.
Senator’s Reaction
Speaking outside the Assembly gates, Akpoti‑Uduaghan accused the Senate of flouting a valid court order and compromising democratic norms. She vowed to continue her legal battle, stating she would seek appellate court interpretation. She expressed shock at being treated like a criminal, declaring:
“The court has asked me to resume, and under Section 318 of the Constitution, judgments can take different forms … I am no longer suspended.”
Broader Implications
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Rule of law vs legislative autonomy: The incident underscores a legal tug-of-war between judicial rulings and parliamentary privilege.
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Civil-military tensions: Heavy security presence raises concerns about militarized responses to civil dissent.
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Representation rights: Denying an apparently duly elected senator entry raises questions about democratic access and accountability for Kogi Central constituents.
What’s Next
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Akpoti‑Uduaghan plans to take the matter to the Court of Appeal to enforce the High Court’s advisory and challenge the Senate’s refusal to admit her.
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Civic groups and electoral watchdogs may increasingly scrutinize and challenge legislative suspensions under constitutional frameworks.
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Senate leadership may pursue internal rule amendments to clarify procedures for handling judicial advisories and disciplinary measures.
Bottom Line
This confrontation highlights a mounting constitutional and political crisis, pitting judicial advice against parliamentary authority, and raises urgent questions about Nigeria’s democratic safeguards. The outcome of upcoming legal proceedings is likely to set an important precedent for legislative accountability and civil rights.
