Suspended Kogi State Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Tuesday denied access to the National Assembly, despite a Federal High Court judgment ordering her resumption.
The senator, who arrived the assembly complex with her entourage to reclaim her seat, was stopped at the entrance by security operatives, effectively blocking her attempt to return to legislative duties.
Court Order Ignored
Senator Natasha cited a recent ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which she claims explicitly ordered her reinstatement following her controversial six-month suspension.
Despite presenting the court’s decision, security at the assembly gates refused to grant her access, leaving the senator and her team stranded.
Background: Suspension Over Chamber Outburst
Senator Natasha was suspended earlier this year following what parliamentary authorities described as “unruly conduct” during a plenary session. The suspension stemmed from an outburst on the Senate floor, after her seating position was changed without her prior knowledge or consent — a move she interpreted as politically motivated and disrespectful.
Her protest reportedly escalated into a heated confrontation, prompting the Senate leadership to hand her a six-month suspension, which many critics have since called excessive and unconstitutional.
Legal and Political Implications
The refusal to enforce the Federal High Court’s judgment is likely to spark legal and political backlash, with questions arising about the separation of powers, rule of law, and the limits of parliamentary privilege.
Senator Natasha has been vocal about what she terms targeted political persecution, and her legal team is expected to take further steps to enforce the court’s ruling.
As the situation unfolds, many observers are watching closely to see whether the National Assembly leadership will honor the judiciary’s directive or stand by its internal disciplinary decision.
The development underscores growing tensions between judicial authority and parliamentary independence — and raises broader concerns about democratic accountability in Nigeria’s legislative processes.
