By Atoyebi Nike
Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of contempt of court and acting above the Nigerian Constitution, after security operatives blocked her from resuming duties at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was denied entry despite a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court nullifying her six-month suspension by the Senate.
Speaking to journalists at the Assembly complex, the senator described the obstruction as a “deliberate act of contempt” and questioned the legality of her suspension.
“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution,” she said. “The fact that he has filed an appeal does not invalidate the court’s decision. I was elected by the people of Kogi, and that gives me legitimacy.”
She said the standoff exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and faulted the Senate’s silence on the matter.
“It’s ironic that the same lawmakers are in contempt of a valid court order,” she added. “This act speaks volumes about our democratic state.”
The senator also alleged that the suspension process itself was flawed, describing it as “fraudulent.” She said her legal team would approach the appellate court for further interpretation and redress.
“I’m a law-abiding citizen,” she stated. “My team will proceed to the appellate court to seek clarity on this unconstitutional act.”
As of press time, the Senate leadership had not issued any response to the incident.
