By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA – A tense standoff is anticipated at the National Assembly today as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended since March, arrived at the complex with supporters converging at the entrance, signaling her intent to resume legislative duties despite warnings from the Senate leadership. The highly anticipated return attempt is met with an unusual security build-up at the gate, with stern-looking operatives conducting searches and restricting visitor access.
At least five police patrol vehicles have been strategically positioned at the entrance of the Assembly complex, reflecting the heightened security measures in response to the lawmaker’s announced return.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed over the weekend that she had formally notified the Senate of her intention to return, citing a recent court decision as the basis for her action. “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 to journalists during a constituency training program. She argued that while her suspension did not impede her constituency projects, it significantly obstructed her vital legislative functions, such as sponsoring bills and moving motions.
Supporting her stance, her lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, West Idahosa, maintained that the court judgment justifies her return. “Attendance is a legislative action. As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court… The most important thing is that she is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Idahosa stated in a phone interview, adding that the decision to go back would ultimately be determined by her constituents.
However, the Senate remains defiant. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, reaffirmed the Senate’s position on Sunday, warning that there is no legal directive compelling her immediate recall and that her suspension stands until its expiration.
Adding another layer to the brewing confrontation, social activist Aisha Yesufu has publicly vowed to accompany Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate today in solidarity. Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Yesufu condemned the Senate’s stance, warning against continued disregard for judicial decisions. She further described Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as unconstitutional and accused the Senate of acting with impunity.
As of press time, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s exact plan for entry remains unconfirmed by her aide, Isah Bala, who stated that details would be clarified later. The unfolding events are set to test the boundaries between legislative privilege and judicial pronouncements in Nigeria’s political landscape.