Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has described the 10th National Assembly under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the worst in Nigeria’s legislative history.
The senator representing Kogi Central made the remark on Tuesday following her unsuccessful attempt to resume plenary after a Federal High Court ruling nullified her earlier suspension from the Senate.
Speaking to journalists at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, Senator Natasha expressed disappointment over being denied access despite the court’s judgment. She also decried the heavy security presence, stating that armed operatives, allegedly acting on orders from Senate leadership, prevented her from entering the chamber.
“It’s quite unfortunate that we were denied access. This is a huge dent on our democracy,” she said. “It’s a shame because Nigeria has had so many Senate Presidents, but the Senate under Akpabio is the worst assembly this country has ever had.”
Natasha also accused the Senate of acting in contempt of court by appealing the judgment without due process and ignoring the pronouncement that ordered her reinstatement. She further alleged that her suspension and the ongoing pushback against her return were politically motivated and targeted at silencing her voice.
She said the refusal to obey the court order and the deployment of security operatives to block her entry reflect a growing disregard for the rule of law and democratic norms under the current Senate leadership.
No official response has been issued by the Senate as of press time.
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