Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, defied the Senate leadership as she arrived at the National Assembly complex to resume legislative duties.
Her appearance came amid heavy security presence at the premises, following earlier reports of her planned return which had prompted heightened tension within the complex.
Supporters of the embattled lawmaker gathered in solidarity at the entrance of the Assembly, cheering her arrival and demanding her reinstatement.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had declared over the weekend that she would resume plenary on July 22, citing a recent ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja. According to her, the judgment affirms her right to return to her legislative seat.
However, the Senate appears unmoved by the court decision. In a statement issued on Sunday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, maintained that the ruling was merely an “advisory opinion” and not a binding directive on the Red Chamber.
Despite the clarification, Akpoti-Uduaghan stood her ground, insisting she has a legal mandate to resume duties.
A viral video earlier on Tuesday showed heavily armed security personnel stationed at the National Assembly gates, a development believed to be in response to the lawmaker’s planned reentry.
As of press time, it remains unclear whether the Senate leadership will officially recognize her return or take further disciplinary action.
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