Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has arrived the National Assembly as her supporters converge at the entrance to await her. There...
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has arrived the National Assembly as her supporters converge at the entrance to await her.
There was also an unusual security build-up at the gate of the complex with stern-looking operatives searching cars and restricting visitors to the car park outside the parliament.
No fewer than five police patrol vehicles were stationed at a strategic area at the entrance to the Assembly complex.
The heightened security comes in the wake of a threat by Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to legislative duties amid warnings from the Senate.
The lawmaker, who was suspended in March, revealed over the weekend that she had formally notified the Senate of her intention to return, citing a recent court decision as her basis.
She told journalists during a constituency training programme that she had already written to the leadership of the Upper Chamber about her intention.
“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she insisted.
The senator argued that while her suspension didn’t stop her from executing constituency projects, it had obstructed her ability to carry out vital legislative functions like sponsoring bills and moving motions.
Backing her stance, her lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, West Idahosa, maintained that the court judgment justifies her return.
“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action.
“As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court.
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