The suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, made a dramatic appearance at the National Assembly on Tuesday, accompanied by a group of supporters, including notable political activist Aisha Yesufu.
Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had announced her intention to resume her legislative duties, entered the national assembly complex at precisely 12:20 pm.
Despite her determined arrival, the suspended senator was met with resistance from security personnel stationed at the entrance.
A heavy security presence had been established at the National Assembly complex in anticipation of her arrival and the potential unrest it could incite.
The security detail included the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the sergeant-at-arms.
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The situation at the main gate led to significant delays, with a long line of vehicles piling up as security operatives conducted thorough checks to ensure that Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan did not circumvent their measures.
The atmosphere was tense, as her supporters rallied outside, while the security agents maintained firm control over access into the National Assembly building.
The Senate, having previously dealt with the issue of Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, reiterated for the third time that there was no existing court order compelling it to permit her return before the conclusion of her suspension.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, formally addressed this concern in a statement issued on Sunday, clarifying that claims made by the suspended senator regarding her return stemmed from a misinterpretation of the recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
