Suspended Nigerian senator behind harassment claim refused entry to parliament

Suspended Nigerian Senator Barred from Parliament Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

Senator Denied Entry to National Assembly

Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was refused entry to the National Assembly on Tuesday, months after her suspension over a sexual harassment allegation. Her attempt to resume duties was blocked at both the outer and inner gates of the parliamentary complex in Abuja, sparking renewed public interest in the dispute between her and the Senate leadership.

Background of the Suspension

Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi State and one of only four female senators out of 109, was suspended in March after submitting a petition accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment a claim he denies. The Senate, however, stated that her suspension was due to “unruly and disruptive” conduct during a legislative session, not her allegations.

Court Ruling and Attempted Return

Following a recent federal high court decision, which Akpoti-Uduaghan says ordered her reinstatement, she vowed to return to her seat. Arriving in a convoy, she was stopped at the outer gate and continued on foot, only to be halted again at the inner gate by security officers. She later told journalists that the Senate’s refusal to admit her violated the court’s ruling.

Senate President Challenges Court Decision

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Senate President Akpabio has appealed the court’s decision, insisting that parliamentary matters are immune from judicial interference. He argued that the separation of powers prohibits courts from intervening in internal legislative procedures. The Court of Appeal has yet to issue a ruling on the matter, leaving her status in limbo.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Defends Her Mandate

Speaking to the press, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the Senate leadership’s actions, calling them contempt of court. She firmly stated that her mandate comes not from the Senate president but from the people of Kogi State who elected her. She emphasized her intention to seek further legal advice regarding her next course of action.

Senate Rules and Suspension Timeline

Under Senate rules, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension is scheduled to end in September. Until then, she is not permitted to enter the legislative premises. This rule remains in force despite the high court ruling, as the leadership maintains that the judiciary has no authority over parliamentary conduct.

Civil Society Reaction

Civil society organizations have voiced concern over the treatment of the senator. Many have called for a transparent and impartial investigation into her claims of harassment. Women’s rights advocates and governance groups argue that dismissing the allegations without due process could discourage future whistleblowers and damage public confidence in the legislative system.

Calls for Accountability and Reform

The controversy has triggered wider conversations about gender representation, abuse of power, and accountability within Nigerian politics. Advocates are urging the National Assembly to establish clear mechanisms for handling internal complaints and to ensure that no one is above the law regardless of their position.

Awaiting Judicial Clarification

With the appeal still pending, the situation remains unresolved. The final decision by the Court of Appeal will likely set a precedent for how the Nigerian judiciary can intervene or refrain from intervening in legislative matters. Until then, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan remains barred from resuming her legislative role, even as she insists on her constitutional right to serve.

The standoff between Senator Natasha Akpoti -Uduaghan and the Senate leadership raises critical issues about power dynamics, the rule of law, and gender equity in Nigeria’s political institutions. Whether the courts or the Senate will ultimately prevail in defining the limits of legislative immunity remains to be seen.

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