“My Legitimacy Comes from the People Who Elected Me, Not from the Office of the Senate President” – Senator Natasha Blasts Akpabio After Being Denied Entry to NASS Chambers

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday was denied entry into the National Assembly complex despite a valid court ruling nullifying her suspension, prompting the Kogi Central lawmaker to vow legal action against the Senate leadership.

Earlier this year, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. However, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja recently ruled the suspension unconstitutional and ordered her immediate reinstatement. Acting on that judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly on Tuesday to resume her legislative duties but was blocked by security personnel at the gate.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, she condemned the obstruction as a breach of the rule of law and accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of contempt of court. “Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. I want Nigerians to know that the Office of the Senate President does not give me legitimacy. That legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi who elected me,” she stated.

The senator emphasized that the Senate’s decision to appeal the court’s ruling does not nullify the judgment or prevent her from resuming her duties. “The fact that an appeal has been filed does not set aside the subsisting judgment of Justice Binta Nyako. It does not stop me from being a senator,” she said.

Describing her suspension as flawed from the outset, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed the process and documentation were legally questionable. She further criticized the Senate’s refusal to comply with the court order, calling it a disturbing reflection of the current state of governance. “This is a clear statement, it’s on record that the National Assembly under Akpabio has decided to defy a court order. It is ironic that lawmakers would lead in breaking the law. That raises serious questions about the health of our democracy.”

She concluded by affirming her commitment to due process and revealed plans to consult with her legal team to pursue the matter at the appellate court. As of the time of reporting, the Senate leadership has not issued an official response to the incident.