Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly on Monday as a crowd of supporters gathered at the entrance to welcome her, triggering an unusual build-up of security at the legislative complex.
Security was visibly heightened, with stern-looking operatives conducting thorough checks on vehicles and restricting visitors to the outer car park. No fewer than five police patrol vans were stationed at strategic positions near the Assembly gate.
The increased presence of security personnel comes amid controversy over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension from the Senate in March and her recent declaration to resume legislative duties, citing a court decision in her favour.
Over the weekend, the senator stated that she had formally written to the leadership of the Senate, notifying them of her intention to return to the chamber.
“I will be there because the court did make the decision on that,” she told journalists during a constituency training programme. “Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that while her suspension did not hinder the implementation of constituency projects, it severely limited her ability to perform core legislative functions such as sponsoring bills and presenting motions.
Her legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, backed her position, asserting that a court ruling justifies her return.
“Attendance is a legislative act,” Idahosa said in a phone interview.
“We’re focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. Her constituents want her to resume, so we’ll wait to see how the Senate responds. But she remains a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
When contacted on Monday, her aide, Isah Bala, was uncertain about her exact plans, saying, “It’s not something I can confirm now because we just returned from a programme in Okene,” adding that clarification would follow.
As of press time, Bala had not responded to further inquiries.
Meanwhile, the Senate insists its earlier decision barring the lawmaker from resuming remains in effect.
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, reaffirmed on Sunday that there is no court order mandating her immediate reinstatement.
In a show of solidarity, activist Aisha Yesufu announced plans to accompany Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate on Tuesday. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Yesufu criticised the Senate’s actions, calling them unconstitutional and warning against continued defiance of judicial authority.
She said, “The suspension was illegal, and the Senate is acting with impunity. It’s time to respect the law.”
As tensions simmer, all eyes are now on the Upper Chamber as it faces a test of legal interpretation, political will, and public accountability.
