By Abiola Olawale
Tensions escalated at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied access to the premises of the legislative arm.
The New Diplomat checks show that the suspended lawmaker was denied access to the National Assembly complex by a team of security operatives.
The increased security presence, including operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were reportedly deployed to the area to prevent her from resuming plenary duties.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan had vowed to resume duties at the Senate Chambers today, Tuesday.
The controversy stems from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6, 2025, following a heated confrontation between her and President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio over a sitting arrangement dispute.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct had cited violations of Senate rules, including refusal to sit in her assigned seat, speaking without recognition, and engaging in disruptive behavior as grounds for suspension.
Her suspension included the withdrawal of her salary, security details, and lack of access to her office, effectively barring her from the National Assembly premises.
On July 4, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice B.F.M. Nyako, ruled that the six-month suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, and amounted to a violation of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constitutional duty to represent her constituents in Kogi Central.
The court stated that the Senate should recall her but stopped short of issuing a mandatory order.
Despite this, the National Assembly clarified on July 14 that the judgment was advisory, not binding, and maintained that no court order compelled her immediate reinstatement.
