"Worst Senate Ever" - Senator Natasha Slams Akpabio’s Senate as Worst Ever Amid Tense Standoff at National Assembly Gate

 

The political climate within Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber has intensified, as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha of Kogi Central publicly denounced the current Senate leadership, describing it as the worst in the nation’s history. The criticism comes after a dramatic confrontation at the gates of the National Assembly, where the lawmaker was reportedly denied access to the complex by security operatives.

Escorted by aides and supporters, Senator Natasha arrived at the National Assembly on Tuesday morning, only to find the entrance heavily manned and shut to her. Uniformed security personnel refused her entry without providing any official justification, sparking a public scene that quickly drew media attention.

Speaking to journalists outside the gate, Senator Natasha did not hold back. She accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of orchestrating her exclusion and attempting to suppress dissenting voices within the chamber. According to her, the move was not only unconstitutional but also a direct attack on democracy.

“The leadership under Akpabio has shown blatant disregard for legal processes and the principles of democracy,” she said. “This is the worst leadership the Nigerian Senate has ever experienced. No Senate President in our history has weaponized power to this level of disgrace.”

Senator Natasha’s exclusion followed an ongoing legal tussle between her and the Senate, which reportedly suspended her in June. The Federal High Court had ruled that her suspension was unlawful and ordered her reinstatement. However, the Senate leadership under Akpabio chose to appeal the judgment, a decision that the Kogi lawmaker says is merely a cover for political persecution.

“The Federal High Court gave a clear order. Rather than respect the judiciary, Akpabio and his allies have chosen to violate it. Now, I am being punished again for simply seeking justice,” she declared.

Her remarks have added fuel to a growing debate surrounding the independence of the legislative arm of government and the alleged misuse of institutional authority. Civil society groups, political analysts, and some lawmakers have begun questioning the motives behind the Senate’s appeal and the subsequent enforcement of her suspension.

Critics argue that the situation reflects a troubling trend in Nigerian politics, where court decisions are treated with selective compliance and political calculations overshadow legal integrity. Natasha’s ordeal, they say, should concern anyone who values democratic norms and constitutional order.

Senator Natasha, who has become a prominent voice for reform and transparency in the Senate, also warned that her case is just one example of a wider problem festering in Nigeria’s legislative institutions. “If this can happen to an elected senator, then what hope do ordinary Nigerians have?” she asked, gesturing toward the National Assembly building behind the locked gates.

Meanwhile, attempts to get official comments from the Senate leadership have been unsuccessful. Calls placed to the office of the Senate President were not answered, and aides close to Akpabio declined to speak on the record. However, sources within the complex hinted that the leadership maintains its position that the appeal process must be respected before Natasha can resume legislative duties.

Legal experts are weighing in, with many describing the Senate’s move as legally dubious. “Once a court nullifies a suspension, the affected party is expected to be reinstated unless a stay of execution is granted. Anything outside that is contempt of court,” said a constitutional lawyer based in Abuja.

The implications of this standoff go far beyond the gates of the National Assembly. Observers fear that the Senate's defiance may set a dangerous precedent, undermining judicial authority and emboldening future acts of political retribution.

Public reactions continue to pour in across various media platforms. Many Nigerians, especially those from Kogi Central, have expressed outrage over the treatment of their representative. The hashtag #JusticeForNatasha has begun trending online, with citizens demanding her immediate reinstatement and an end to what they call legislative bullying.

Senator Natasha has vowed to pursue every legal and constitutional avenue available to ensure her rights are upheld and her mandate respected. Her determination appears unshaken, even as institutional obstacles are thrown in her path.

As this saga unfolds, the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions hangs in the balance. Whether the Senate will reverse its course or dig deeper into defiance remains a matter of national concern.