I’ll not be silenced by Akpabio-led senate – Natasha reacts to entry denial
Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed her determination to uphold the Nigerian Constitution after being barred from re-entering the National Assembly, despite a court ruling that nullified her suspension. In a statement to journalists at the assembly complex, she called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to respect the rule of law.
“I arrived ready to reclaim my seat, but I was denied entry by security personnel. This is nothing short of contempt for the court’s decision,” Akpoti-Uduaghan declared. The senator, who represents Kogi Central, emphasized that her legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi, not from the Senate leadership.
“Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. The authority I hold as a senator is derived from the mandate given to me by my constituents,” she asserted.
Reflecting on the situation, she raised concerns about the implications for Nigeria’s democracy. “Denying me entrance to the National Assembly speaks volumes about our current democratic state. It forces us to ask how far we’ve come in protecting our rights,” she stated.
Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned the legality of her previous suspension, labeling it fraudulent. “The suspension was not valid; the documents were faulty from the start,” she claimed.
She announced plans to meet with her legal team to discuss next steps, indicating that she would pursue further legal actions. “I will not be silenced by the Senate. I am committed to fighting for my constitutional rights,” she concluded.
Source: PUNCH
