Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, says she is heading to the appellate court for legal clarification over the controversial circumstances surrounding her suspension by the Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Newsonspot reports that speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed that she was denied entry into the National Assembly Complex despite the court ruling voiding her suspension. The senator, undeterred by a heavy security barricade and the rain, arrived on foot through the MOPOL gate, accompanied by a crowd of supporters and prominent activist Aisha Yesufu.
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Describing her suspension as procedurally flawed and fraudulent, the senator stated:
“Even the suspension, ab initio, was fraudulent. The document recommending my suspension was nothing more than a photocopy of an attendance sheet passed off as signed committee approval.”
She also refuted claims that she should remain suspended due to an ongoing appeal by the Senate, explaining that the court judgment was in two parts – one addressing her suspension and another addressing an alleged contempt charge related to a satirical Facebook apology.
“The matter of contempt is separate. What I appealed is the contempt judgment. The actual suspension ruling stands unchallenged, and that’s why I came to resume today,” she clarified.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan also pointed out that if she were to leave without being allowed to resume, she would have effectively served the entire six-month suspension by the time the Senate returns from its upcoming two-month recess.
“We’re aware the National Assembly is going on recess tomorrow. If I turn back now, I’d have effectively served the full suspension term. But as far as I’m concerned, I’m no longer suspended.”
The senator reiterated her commitment to pursuing legal redress, insisting on the illegality of her suspension and calling for accountability in upholding the rule of law within Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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