The Nigerian Senate has dismissed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to resume plenary as a publicity stunt, with Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu mocking her actions as “skit making” and “content creation.”
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in March for six months over alleged misconduct and failure to comply with sitting arrangements. She challenged the suspension in court, and in June, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Senate’s action was excessive, unconstitutional, and violated the rights of her constituents.
Despite the court judgment, the Senate maintained that it had not yet received a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling and therefore refused to reinstate her.
On Tuesday, Natasha arrived at the National Assembly to resume duties but was blocked by heavily armed security officers at the entrance. The standoff escalated as her supporters attempted to force their way in, chanting “Push!” before being pushed back. The scene caused heavy traffic and human congestion at the gates.
Speaking after being denied access, Senator Natasha insisted she had a legal right to resume her duties, saying:
“Justice Nyako ruled my suspension unconstitutional. Denying me access today violates my rights and those of my constituents.”
However, Senator Adaramodu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said her actions were nothing more than theatrics.
“We are lawmakers, not spectators in a skit or season film. Nigerians know this is just content creation,” he said on Channels TV’s Politics Today.
Adaramodu argued that even if there were a court order, Natasha had no right to enforce it by herself without due legal process, such as service through court bailiffs.
The Senate’s refusal to allow her return despite a court ruling has sparked debate about legislative power, judicial authority, and the representation rights of constituents.
Many Nigerians are now watching closely to see if the Senate will eventually comply with the court’s ruling or if the matter will escalate into a broader legal and political battle.
