By Atoyebi Nike
Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has pledged to accompany embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to the National Assembly today, as the Kogi Central lawmaker moves to resume legislative duties despite ongoing resistance from the Senate.
The lawmaker’s return follows a July ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which declared her suspension unlawful and called for her reinstatement. However, the Senate President’s legal team has appealed the judgment, insisting that it violates legislative autonomy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Yesufu condemned the Senate’s refusal to abide by the court’s decision, describing it as a dangerous defiance of the rule of law.
“Senator Natasha has every right to return to office, and she won’t be going alone,” Yesufu said. “We’ll stand with her. If the Senate wants to kill us, so be it.”
Yesufu further criticized the Senate’s treatment of women in politics, pointing out that only four out of Nigeria’s 109 senators are women.
“You go after the few women we have just because they speak out. It’s unacceptable. We’re not second-class citizens,” she said.
She described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as an act of impunity by a body meant to uphold constitutional values.
“The court ruled that the suspension was unconstitutional. Natasha was elected by her people, not appointed by the Senate,” Yesufu argued.
She also expressed concern over growing political interference in the judiciary, accusing judges of bowing to pressure from political elites.
Despite an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to return to the Senate chamber today.
Speaking in Ihima, Kogi State, she stated, “I’ve informed the Senate I’m resuming today, July 22. The court decision may not be an order, but it’s valid.”
Her March 6 suspension stemmed from allegations of misconduct, including accusations against Akpabio over seat arrangements and sexual harassment claims he has denied.
The Senate maintains that her return is premature, stating that the court did not issue a binding reinstatement order.
