Natasha Akpoti makes way into national assembly as senate beefs up security

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has made her way into the National Assembly premises in Abuja, after she was initially denied access.

The lawmaker who is serving a six-month suspension by the upper lawmaking body had vowed to resume sitting in the NASS chambers after a court verdict asking the Senate to recall her.

She told journalists during a constituency training programme that she had already written to the leadership of the Upper Chamber about her intention.

“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.

On Tuesday, The PUNCH stated that there was an unusual security build-up at the gate of the complex with stern-looking operatives searching cars and restricting visitors to the car park outside the parliament.

No fewer than five police patrol vehicles were stationed at a strategic area at the entrance to the Assembly complex.

However, when she attempted to resume, her convoy was stopped, denying her entry into the premises.

Senator Natasha, who was inside a black car, was stopped from entering the National Assembly. The car in front of her, carrying activist Aisha Yesufu, was also stopped from entering the National Assembly.

But later on, she came out of her car and proceeded into the National Assembly on foot, accompanied by some supporters, Channels TV reports.