The Moment Senator Natasha Dared to Enter NASS After Her Convoy Was Turned Away.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central senatorial district, appeared at the National Assembly premises on Tuesday. Arriving in a black SUV, accompanied by several vehicles and her supporters, including Aisha Yesufu, she successfully passed the first security check but was halted at the second gate. Undeterred, she exited her vehicle and proceeded into the assembly premises. Supporters marching alongside the convoy were heard chanting in pidgin, "Na our Senator be this o, we no get another one," to which others responded, "Na our senator be this eh!" It is important to note that the Senate had previously warned her to refrain from forcefully resuming her legislative duties until her suspension period concludes. This warning came after the lawmaker expressed her intention to return to the Senate on Tuesday, following a judgment from Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, stated that no court had mandated the Senate to reinstate the controversial lawmaker. He remarked, "The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no existing court order requiring the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension. "The Senate had previously issued two public statements following the court ruling and the release of the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order, clarifying that no positive or mandatory directive was given to the Senate regarding her recall. "Instead, the Honourable Court provided a non-binding advisory suggesting that the Senate consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it deemed potentially excessive. The Court, however, clearly stated that the Senate did not violate any laws or constitutional provisions when it imposed the disciplinary action due to the Senator’s misconduct during plenary. He pointed out that the same court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposed sanctions, which included a ₦5m fine payable to the Federal Government and a requirement for her to issue an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, a directive that has reportedly not been followed. "It is thus astonishing and legally indefensible that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while appealing and having submitted a motion for a stay against the valid and enforceable orders issued against her, is attempting to act on a fictitious order of recall that does not exist," he stated.