Security operatives on Monday locked all gates leading to the national assembly complex, preventing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the premises as senate plenary resumes.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi central, had vowed to
resume legislative duties following a court ruling that the senate should
consider recalling her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March over alleged
misconduct on the floor of the senate.
She had accused Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, of sexual
harassment. He has since denied the allegation.
Arriving at the national assembly in a black vehicle, the
senator was stopped at the gate by security personnel who insisted she could
not be allowed in.
Her convoy was turned back, including a car conveying Aisha
Yesufu, a social activist.
Despite the blockade, Akpoti-Uduaghan stepped out of her car
and proceeded on foot toward the main entrance of the assembly complex,
accompanied by some supporters who cheered her on.
Her attempted return comes days after she cited a court
judgment as grounds for resuming her legislative duties.
However, the senate noted that no such order compels her
immediate reinstatement.
In a statement on Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, the senate spokesperson,
said the court only gave a non-binding advisory and did not issue any mandatory
directive requiring the senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“There is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to
recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her
suspension,” Adaramodu said.
He added that the senate would review the court’s advisory
at the appropriate time and communicate its decision accordingly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to resume has heightened tension
within the legislature and drawn public attention to the issues surrounding her
suspension.
As of the time of this report, plenary had commenced without
her presence in the chamber.
Security remained tight around the national assembly, with
all vehicular access points still under lock.
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