Heightened security was observed on Monday evening at the National Assembly Complex, particularly around the Mopol Gate entrance, following the announcement by embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that she would resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
Security presence increased noticeably after 5:30 p.m., just after official work hours, raising speculation about potential confrontation as the senator insists on returning to her seat.The Kogi Central lawmaker, suspended earlier this year, cited a Federal High Court judgment delivered on July 4 as the basis for her return, claiming the ruling invalidates her suspension and grants her the right to resume legislative duties.
However, the Nigerian Senate strongly opposes this interpretation. In a formal statement issued by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the Senate declared that the ruling was merely advisory and not a binding order requiring her reinstatement.
“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.
According to the Senate, the court did not deem the suspension unlawful, but only recommended a review of the Senate’s Standing Orders and suggested the suspension might be excessive.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for alleged contempt of court and misconduct during plenary, including a requirement to pay a ₦5 million fine and issue a public apology via two national newspapers and Facebook—conditions the Senate says remain unmet.
“Till date, these directives remain uncomplied with,” Adaramodu stated, warning her against any attempt to “storm” the 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.
”Both Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate have filed separate appeals, signaling that the legal battle is far from over.
Until a final judicial resolution, the Senate maintains that her suspension stands and any attempt to reenter the chamber will be resisted.
