Resumption: Akpoti-Uduaghan barred from National Assembly Complex

The suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was on Tuesday barred by security operatives from accessing the main building of the national assembly.

Penpushing reports that it is recalled that Akpoti-Uduaghan, had earlier vowed to resume legislative activities on Tuesday, and made good her intention as she stormed the National Assembly at exactly 12pm in company of her supporters which include a prominent political activist, Aisha Yesufu.

The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District had earlier explained that she would resume plenary citing a Federal High Court judgment that described her six-month suspension as excessive and unconstitutional.

Penpushing further reports that on arrival at the National Assembly, she was stopped by security operatives, including police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and State Security Services (SSS).

The supporters of the federal lawmaker were chanting solidarity songs and attempted to force their way into the complex, which the security personnel prevented and stood their ground that she won’t be allowed.

Penpushing also reports that in reactions, Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, emphasised that the court’s decision is binding, referencing Section 287 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that decisions of any court are binding on all authorities.

The Senator stated that her being denied entry to the National Assembly was a blatant violation of the rule of law and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy, after the court judgement.

‘That I’ve been denied entrance to the National Assembly is a clear statement. The National Assembly under Akpabio has chosen to act in contempt of court. It’s ironic that those who make laws are the first to break them’, she said

Penpushing reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan described her initial suspension as fraudulent and procedurally flawed and vowed to meet with her legal team to proceed to the appellate court for interpretation of what transpired.

The Senator emphasized that her legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi State who voted for her, not from the Office of the Senate President, and also questioned the Senate’s authority on the lingering matter.

“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. The Office of the Senate President does not give me legitimacy. My legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who voted me in. The court has ruled in my favour, and an appeal does not invalidate that ruling.”

Penpushing further reports that as at the time of this report, the National Assembly is yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while it is recalled that the standoff highlights the ongoing power struggle between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate leadership, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, whom she has accused of sexual harassment.

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