By Ghazali Ibrahim
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday defied security resistance to make her way into the National Assembly premises, Abuja, following an earlier denial of entry by operatives stationed at the gate.
The embattled lawmaker, who is currently serving a six-month suspension imposed by the Senate, had vowed to resume plenary after a recent court verdict reportedly ordered her recall.
In defiance of the Senate’s stance, Akpoti-Uduaghan earlier told journalists during a constituency training programme that she had officially notified the Senate leadership of her intention to return.
“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,” she said.
On Tuesday morning, an unusually heavy security presence was observed at the gates of the National Assembly complex, with multiple police patrol vehicles and stern-looking operatives restricting access. Visitors were forced to disembark and wait at the external car park.
As Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a black car accompanied by her convoy, her vehicle was stopped at the gate.
Notably, the car ahead of hers carrying well-known activist Aisha Yesufu was also denied entry.
Unfazed by the blockade, the senator eventually stepped out of her vehicle and, flanked by supporters, walked into the National Assembly building on foot, according to reports by Channels Television.
The confrontation marks the latest development in the ongoing standoff between the Kogi-born senator and the Senate leadership, following months of legal and political wrangling over her suspension.
The Senate is yet to issue a formal response to her dramatic return.
