There was a dramatic scene at the entrance of the National Assembly complex on Tuesday as security operatives barred suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from gaining access to the premises.
The embattled lawmaker, who represents Kogi Central, arrived at the complex flanked by a convoy that included prominent activist Aisha Yesufu, rights advocate Mama P, fellow activist Randy, and a large group of vocal supporters.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was allowed through the first checkpoint but met stiff resistance at the second gate, where security officials prevented her from proceeding further into the complex.
In a bid to de-escalate the standoff, Aisha Yesufu confronted the security personnel, challenging the legality and rationale of the restriction. “The National Assembly is meant to be for everyone. Why are you stopping us?” Yesufu asked.
“We are not abiding doesn’t mean we are cowards,” she added firmly, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The situation quickly grew tense as some supporters began chanting “Push!”, with others attempting to move past the security blockade.
Despite the resistance, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters—many of whom marched on foot alongside her convoy—broke into solidarity songs and chanted in Pidgin English:
“Na our senator be this o, we no get another one!”“Na our senator be this eh!”
The demonstrators continued to march toward the National Assembly complex, insisting on their right to support their elected representative.
As of press time, no official statement had been released by the National Assembly or Senate leadership regarding the altercation at the gate.
