Heavy security presence in NASS as Senator Natasha gears up for resumption

There was an unusual security buildup at the National Assembly complex on Monday evening, a day before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned return to the Senate.

 

At least five police patrol vehicles were stationed at the Mopol Gate entrance of the complex. While activities remained normal during official working hours, security presence intensified between 5:30 pm and 6 pm, shortly after the close of work, reports BusinessDay.

 

The embattled lawmaker had, during a televised interview on Saturday, declared her intention to resume plenary on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, citing a recent Federal High Court judgment as the legal basis for her return.

 

However, the Senate has strongly opposed her interpretation of the ruling, insisting that there is no valid court order mandating her immediate recall.

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s announcement followed ongoing legal and procedural tussles over a July 4 judgment delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, which she claims supports her return.

 

But the Senate maintains that the judgment does not amount to an enforceable directive.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, the Senate reiterated its position that no subsisting order mandates Akpoti-Uduaghan’s 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.

 

Adaramodu noted that the court merely offered a non-binding advisory, suggesting that the Senate may consider reviewing its Standing Orders and the length of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which the court opined might be excessive.

 

“However, the court explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure based on the senator’s misconduct during plenary,” he clarified.

 

The Senate also emphasised that Akpoti-Uduaghan was found guilty of contempt of court and sanctioned accordingly.

 

The sanctions included a ₦5 million fine payable to the federal government and a mandatory apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, directives that the Senate says have not been complied with.

 

“To date, these directives remain uncomplied with,” Adaramodu stated. “The Senate emphasises once more, there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the Chamber.”

 

He issued a stern warning to the senator, urging her not to force her way into the chambers, as such action would “undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process.”

 

“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,” the statement warned.

 

The Senate maintained that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the sanctity of its internal disciplinary mechanisms.

 

Adaramodu added that the institution will, in due course, consider the court’s advisory regarding a potential review of its Standing Orders and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

 

“Until then,” he concluded, “she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”

 

Both the recall and contempt cases are still pending in court, as Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan have each filed separate appeals.