Security Agents Lock N’Assembly Gates as Natasha Attempts Return

Security Agents Lock N’Assembly Gates as Natasha Attempts Return

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Security operatives on Tuesday barricaded all entry points to the National Assembly complex, denying Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan access as the Senate resumed plenary.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had vowed to resume her legislative duties following a recent court ruling which she said supported her recall to the red chamber.

The senator was suspended in March over alleged misconduct during a Senate session.

Her suspension followed allegations she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she accused of sexual harassment, an allegation he has since denied.

Arriving in a black vehicle, Akpoti-Uduaghan was stopped at the gate by security personnel who insisted she would not be allowed in.

Her convoy, including a vehicle conveying prominent activist, Aisha Yesufu, was turned back.

Undeterred, the senator stepped out of her car and attempted to walk toward the main entrance, accompanied by supporters who chanted in solidarity.

Her move to resume comes in the wake of a court judgment she interprets as a green light for her reinstatement. However, the Senate has disputed that position.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Senate Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, clarified that the court’s ruling was merely advisory and did not constitute a binding directive for the upper chamber to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“There is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated, adding that the Senate would review the court’s opinion and respond in due course.

As of the time of filing this report, plenary had commenced without her presence, and security remained tight around the complex, with all vehicular access still restricted.