Senate Defies Court as Akpoti-Uduaghan Faces Resistance

DDM News

A significant deployment of security personnel was observed on Monday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, triggering heightened tension and public interest.

This development comes amid the planned return of embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was earlier suspended by the Nigerian Senate over alleged misconduct.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the security atmosphere around the legislative complex was unusually tight, with a noticeable increase in the screening of vehicles and individuals attempting to access the premises.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly and has remained in the public spotlight following her controversial suspension earlier this year.

The Senate leadership had imposed a six-month suspension on the senator after adopting the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

She was accused of breaching the Senate’s code of conduct, although specific details of the allegations were not fully disclosed at the time.

However, in a landmark judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suspension was declared unconstitutional.

The court held that the Senate’s action was not only illegal but also violated the senator’s rights and breached internal procedural guidelines.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, who presided over the matter, ruled that no arm of government, including the legislature, should act in ways that contravene the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Following the court’s decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan announced that she would return to the Senate on Tuesday, July 8, in compliance with the court’s ruling.

Her declaration set the stage for a potential showdown between the judiciary and the legislature, especially as Senate leadership has insisted that the senator must first tender an apology before being allowed to resume her legislative duties.

This stance by the Senate has sparked debate across legal, political, and civil society circles, with many questioning the upper chamber’s refusal to honour a valid court order.

On Monday morning, observers at the National Assembly reported a substantial presence of security operatives, especially at the entrance leading to the Three Arms Zone.

Vehicles were being rigorously searched, while visitors and staff were subjected to stricter identification protocols than usual.

Insiders say the Senate leadership may be anticipating protests or disruptions linked to the senator’s attempted return.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has long positioned herself as a reform-minded politician, often vocal about injustice and gender-based exclusion in Nigeria’s political space.

Her supporters believe her suspension was politically motivated, aimed at silencing one of the few outspoken female voices in the National Assembly.

This latest incident adds to the growing tension between the judiciary and the legislature over issues of separation of powers and institutional accountability.

As of press time, it remains unclear whether the senator will be allowed to resume without the apology demanded by the Senate.

However, legal experts say the Senate risks contempt of court if it blocks her from resuming after the court’s clear directive.

The coming days are likely to reveal whether the rule of law will be upheld or tested once again in Nigeria’s democratic process.

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