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Nigerian Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha is taking a courageous stand against Senate leadership, accusing it of contempt of court after she was denied access to the National Assembly despite a federal court order lifting her suspension.
On Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at the gates of the National Assembly only to be blocked by armed security personnel. The incident sparked widespread outrage among her supporters and drew sharp criticism from legal experts who argue the Senate’s actions undermine judicial authority.
The lawmaker’s six-month suspension was declared “excessive” by a federal high court on July 5, which also emphasized the constitutional right of her constituents to have active representation. Yet the Senate has refused to comply.
Her suspension, handed down in March, followed her allegations that Senate President Godswill Akpabio offered political favors in exchange for sex — a bold claim that shook Nigeria’s male-dominated political establishment. Akpoti-Uduaghan is one of only four women in Nigeria’s 109-member Senate, making her exclusion a powerful blow to gender inclusion in national politics.
“I am not accused of corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking, or murder,” she stated during a press briefing. “The only thing I am guilty of is denouncing the injustices I have suffered.”
The Senate is now rejecting the court’s ruling, calling it a “non-binding opinion.” It argues that Akpoti-Uduaghan violated Senate rules by publicly discussing the case and has not paid an associated court fine. Senate President Akpabio has since filed an appeal, claiming the judiciary has no right to meddle in parliamentary affairs.
The growing standoff between Nigeria’s legislative and judicial arms is now sparking national concern. Legal experts warn that defying court decisions risks eroding the foundation of Nigeria’s fragile democracy, while women’s rights advocates say it highlights the systemic silencing of female voices in politics.
As Nigerians await the outcome, many are left asking a painful question: will justice or politics win the day?
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