Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Denied Entry to NASS Amid Court Ruling

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was barred from entering the National Assembly on Tuesday, despite her earlier vow to resume duties following a court order directing her recall.

The Kogi Central lawmaker arrived at the National Assembly complex in Abuja around noon in a black vehicle but was stopped by security personnel at the first gate. After a brief standoff, she stepped out of her car and attempted to proceed on foot, accompanied by supporters, including activist Aisha Yesufu.

However, she was halted again at the second gate and instructed to leave. Undeterred, Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters pressed forward, only to find the next gate locked. Despite persistent efforts, they were ultimately denied access, prompting the senator to express frustration over the situation. She stated that she would consult her legal team on the next course of action but vowed to return once the Senate reconvenes after its two-month recess.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension in March stemmed from allegations of breaching Senate rules, which she contested in court, arguing that her suspension was unlawful. A Federal High Court in Abuja recently ruled in her favor, ordering her reinstatement. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed an appeal against the judgment.

Last week, the senator announced her intention to resume work on Tuesday, citing the court’s decision. “The court made a clear ruling, not just an order,” she stated during a public event in Kogi.

In response, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu maintained that no valid court order compelled her immediate recall and cautioned against any attempt to force her way into the chambers. He emphasized that the Senate would address the court’s advisory opinion in due time and urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect due process.

The standoff highlights the ongoing tension between the lawmaker and the Senate leadership, with legal and procedural battles likely to continue in the coming weeks.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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