Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the National Assembly on Tuesday as a crowd of her supporters gathered at the entrance awaiting her arrival.
An unusual level of security presence was observed at the complex gate, where heavily armed operatives conducted thorough vehicle checks and restricted access to the main building, allowing only parking at the outer lot.
At least five police patrol vehicles were strategically stationed at the Assembly’s entrance.
The heightened security follows Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s declaration to resume legislative activities, despite the Senate’s warnings.
The senator, suspended in March, had over the weekend reiterated that she had formally informed the Senate leadership of her intent to return, referencing a recent court ruling in her favour.
Speaking to journalists during a constituency event, she stated: “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 noted that although her suspension had not prevented her from executing projects in her constituency, it had hindered critical legislative functions, such as bill sponsorship and motion presentation.
Her legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria West Idahosa, backed her return, citing the judgment as valid grounds.
“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court. I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents. Now that she said she wants to go and resume, let us see what the reaction of the Senate will be. But the most important thing is that she is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said in a phone interview.
When reached on Monday, her aide Isah Bala said he could not confirm her exact plans yet, explaining they had just returned from an event in Okene and would provide updates later. As of press time, no further comment had been received.
Meanwhile, the Senate insists on enforcing her suspension. Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chair of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, reiterated on Sunday that there is no binding legal order compelling the Senate to reinstate her at this time.
In a related development, activist Aisha Yesufu pledged to accompany Akpoti-Uduaghan to the chamber in solidarity.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Yesufu criticized the Senate’s position and urged respect for judicial decisions. She also described the senator’s suspension as unconstitutional and accused the Senate of operating with impunity.