JUST IN: Heavy security at National Assembly to stop Natasha from resuming duties
Heavy security was spotted at the National Assembly complex to stop embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from returning to the Senate today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Multiple police patrol vehicles were seen stationed at the Mopol Gate entrance, with security presence intensifying around 5:30 pm on Monday just after official work hours ended.
Citing a Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 4, she claimed the ruling backed her return to the Red Chamber.
However, the Senate has strongly opposed her move, arguing that there is no valid court order mandating her reinstatement.
In a statement signed by Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the Senate maintained that the judgment was advisory in nature and not an enforceable directive.
“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” the statement read.
The statement also clarified that the court did not find the Senate’s disciplinary action unlawful, but only suggested a review of the Standing Orders and the suspension length, describing it as possibly excessive.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, according to the Senate, was sanctioned over contempt of court and other misconduct during plenary.
The disciplinary action included a ₦5 million fine and a public apology in two national dailies and on Facebook—none of which the Senate claims have been fulfilled.
“Till date, these directives remain uncomplied with,” Adaramodu stated, warning the senator against forcing her way into the Senate chamber.
“We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate on Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate,” he added.
Both parties, the Senate President and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have reportedly filed separate appeals regarding the matter.
Until a final court directive is issued, the Senate insists she remains suspended.
