Tensions reached a boiling point at the National Assembly on Monday as the Nigerian Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, openly defied a valid court order by preventing suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her legislative duties.
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, arrived the Senate complex armed with a Federal High Court judgment declaring her suspension unconstitutional and ordering her immediate reinstatement. However, Senate authorities insisted the ruling was not binding on the Red Chamber, and security personnel were reportedly directed to block her entry into the chamber.
The move has ignited a constitutional uproar and triggered nationwide condemnation, with legal analysts warning of the dangerous precedent it sets for the rule of law and separation of powers.
The standoff is the latest chapter in a prolonged political feud between Senator Natasha and Senate President Akpabio. The rift stems from Natasha’s outspoken criticism of alleged corruption, questionable contract awards, and perceived marginalization of women under Akpabio’s leadership. Many believe her earlier suspension was a politically engineered retaliation for refusing to toe the line of the Senate leadership.
Despite the court’s clear directive that her suspension lacked legal basis, the Senate's refusal to comply has further deepened public mistrust in the institution. Prominent legal experts and civil society organizations have called for urgent intervention to protect judicial integrity and prevent the erosion of democratic norms.
“This is a reckless disregard for the rule of law. No individual or institution is above the court,” said Femi Falana, SAN, in a swift reaction.
Natasha’s legal team has threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the Senate leadership, while several women’s groups and human rights organizations are mobilizing protests and legal actions in her support.
As the crisis unfolds, the standoff has exposed what critics describe as the overbearing influence of the Senate President and a growing culture of intolerance within the National Assembly.
With mounting pressure from the public and legal community, the question remains: will the Senate respect the judiciary, or will political power continue to trump the law in Nigeria’s highest legislative body?