Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Tuesday prevented from gaining access to the National Assembly complex despite a recent court judgment declaring her suspension unconstitutional.
Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly at about 12:20 p.m., accompanied by prominent human rights activist Aisha Yesufu and a large number of supporters. Her arrival followed a public declaration that she intended to resume legislative duties, citing a July 4 Federal High Court judgment that declared her suspension excessive.
However, a coordinated security blockade comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Sergeant-at-Arms denied her entry. This development led to long queues and heavy congestion at the National Assembly gates as vehicles and individuals were subjected to thorough checks.
The Senate has since restated its position that there is no standing court order compelling the upper chamber to recall the senator. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu reiterated on Sunday that the judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja had been misinterpreted by the senator.
“This clarification becomes necessary, following the circulating claims by the suspended senator that she intends to resume at the Senate Tuesday. This is based on a misinterpretation of the recent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako,” he said.
Justice Nyako had ruled that the six-month suspension imposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan was unconstitutional and violated the right of her constituents to representation. While the court described the Senate’s disciplinary action as excessive, it issued only a declaratory judgment—advising but not ordering her reinstatement.
Legal observers note that Nigerian courts have historically shied away from issuing direct enforcement orders against the legislature, citing the principle of separation of powers. In similar past cases involving Senators Ovie Omo-Agege and Ali Ndume, the courts declared the suspensions illegal without mandating immediate enforcement.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended in March over allegations of misconduct during plenary sessions, has reportedly written to the Senate leadership and Inspector-General of Police seeking a restoration of her security detail and a return to her duties.
The Senate maintains that it has not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment and will not act until it has officially reviewed the document. Without a court directive enforceable by contempt, the Senate argues it is not legally compelled to lift the suspension prematurely.
The incident has sparked national debate about the limits of legislative authority, judicial oversight, and democratic representation, especially given that the people of Kogi Central have been without representation on the Senate floor for over four months.
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