Senator Natasha Blocked From Entering National Assembly Despite Court Order

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan returned to the National Assembly on Tuesday with one goal — to reclaim her seat. But instead of walking into the Senate chambers, she was stopped at the gates. Twice.

Arriving just after noon in a black car, the senator representing Kogi Central was blocked at the first gate by security operatives. After a brief standoff, she stepped out, flanked by supporters, including well-known activist Aisha Yesufu. Together, they made their way toward the complex.

But at the second gate, another obstacle: a firm order to turn back. Refusing to be deterred, the group pressed on, only to be met by a locked gate barring further access. Despite their efforts, Senator Natasha and her team were not allowed inside the Assembly building.

Disappointed but undeterred, she later left the premises, vowing to consult her lawyers and return again once the Senate resumes from its expected two-month recess. “I will be there,” she said days earlier, insisting she had every legal right to return to work.

Her attempted return follows a Federal High Court judgment ordering her recall after the Senate suspended her for six months in March. The Senate had accused her of violating its rules — a move she claimed was in retaliation for speaking out about alleged sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

“I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said on Saturday during an event in Ihima, her hometown. “I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order — it’s not an order, but it is a decision.”

Despite the court’s position, the Senate maintains that no binding order exists requiring her immediate reinstatement.

In response to her plans to return, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu issued a warning: “We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process.”

He added, “The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate the same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”