Natasha, supporters create scene at National Assembly entrance

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghanwas yesterday denied access to the National Assembly Complex as she attempted to resume plenary.

This followed a blockade of her convoy at the gate by the police, Sergeants-at-Arms and security operatives.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had arrived at the outer gate, which is behind the National Arcade, at about 12noon in a four-vehicle convoy comprising three black coloured Sports Utility Vehicles and a white 15-seater bus

After a few minutes inside the SUVs, she stepped out of one of the SUVs accompanied by activist Aisha Yesufu and other supporters and trekked for about 900 metres to the inner gate, where security also stopped them by locking the inner gate.

After about 30 minutes of her arrival at the inner gate, she spoke to reporters before making a U-turn and trekking to the outer gate with her supporters to board their vehicles.

The National Assembly had beefed up security in anticipation of her planned resumption.

Security agents, comprising operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), manned the main and adjourning gates.

Vehicles bound for the National Assembly were frisked, and those that could not produce their identification cards were denied entrance.

Before beating a retreat, the Kogi Central senator said she would consult her legal team to determine her next line of action.

She vowed to resume once the Senate, expected to proceed on a six-week annual vacation today, resumes.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had last week vowed to resume yesterday based on a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako, but the Senate insisted there was no order to recall her.

The Senate on March 6 suspended her for six months over her reaction to the reallocation of her seat.

She challenged her suspension, claiming that it followed her refusal to yield to sexual advances by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The Kogi central lawmaker claimed her suspension was illegal.

Justice Nyako found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court and ordered her to pay a fine of N5million into the treasury of the Federal Government as well as tender an apology in two national dailies.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, appealed against the N5million fine, saying it was improper for the court to fine her over a contempt that was not committed on the face of the court.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also cross-appealed, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to make some of the findings.