A heavy security presence was observed at the main gate of the National Assembly complex on Tuesday amid growing tension over the expected return of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to plenary.
Reports indicate that security personnel, including armed guards, have been stationed around the entrance to maintain order and possibly prevent any disruption, as controversy swirls around the embattled senator’s insistence on resuming legislative duties.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, had on Saturday announced her intention to resume sitting on 22 July, citing a recent ruling from Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to her, the judgement affirms her right to return to the red chamber.
However, her announcement has been met with pushback from the Senate. In a statement issued on Sunday, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim. He clarified that the Federal High Court’s decision amounted to an “advisory opinion” rather than a binding order on the National Assembly.
Despite the Senate’s position, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains defiant. “I have a constitutional mandate from my constituents and the court has spoken,” she said in a recent video statement.
The standoff has heightened political tension in the capital, with videos circulating on social media showing reinforced security measures at the Assembly’s main entrance. It remains unclear whether she will be granted access to the chamber or turned away.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended earlier this year under contentious circumstances that drew criticism from civil society groups and opposition lawmakers, who accused the Senate leadership of suppressing dissent.
The unfolding situation is being closely monitored, with concerns that it could set a precedent for the independence of the judiciary and the limits of legislative authority in disciplinary matters.
