Tension rose at the National Assembly Tuesday as security forces prevented suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan (Kogi central) from entering the complex.
The prevention of Senator Natasha resulted in verbal insults against the Senate by her supporters, led by Aisha Yesufu.
Apparently angry by the action of the security operatives, Senator Natasha declared the 10th National Assembly under the chairmanship of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the worst Nigeria has ever had.
The Senator, whose six-month suspension was recently quashed by the Federal High Court, arrived at the National Assembly complex determined to reclaim her seat.
Speaking passionately outside the locked gates, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her outrage over what she described as “an illegal denial of access” and “a contempt of court by lawmakers who should uphold the constitution.”
She said: “I am a duly elected Senator by the good people of Kogi central. My suspension was declared excessive and unlawful by a competent court of law.
“The Senate has neither appealed the judgment officially nor obtained any stay of execution. The refusal to allow me to resume is unconstitutional and illegal.”
She further clarified that although Senate President Godswill Akpabio had personally filed an appeal against the court ruling, it was not done on behalf of the Senate or National Assembly.
She maintained that no stay of execution had been granted, meaning the judgment declaring her suspension unlawful remained valid and binding.
Citing Sections 63 and 287(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, the senator argued that denying her access to the Senate chamber was not only a breach of her rights but also a violation of constitutional provisions mandating minimum attendance days for legislators to perform their duties.
She said, “This action is not just against me; it is against every Nigerian who believes in the rule of law.
“No one, no matter how highly placed, should be above the law, not even the Senate President.”
Her remarks drew swift condemnation from civil society groups present at the scene.
Prominent activist, Aisha Yesufu declared the incident “a shameful abuse of state power and a reflection of how institutions are weaponised to suppress women and dissenting voices.”