Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, has described Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempted return to the National Assembly as nothing more than “political theatrics” and “skit-making.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended by the Senate in May for six months after accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. On Tuesday, she arrived at the National Assembly complex accompanied by supporters, citing a Federal High Court judgment as the legal basis for her return to legislative duties. She was, however, denied entry.
Later that evening on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adaramodu dismissed the incident, accusing the senator of turning a serious constitutional matter into a media spectacle.
“The National Assembly has a lot of responsibilities. We are lawmakers, not spectators watching skits or content creation,” Adaramodu said.
“What started as content creation is now turning into a seasonal film. We are not actors. We won’t be dragged into political drama.”
Addressing the court ruling referenced by Akpoti-Uduaghan, Adaramodu said the judgment did not invalidate her suspension. According to him, the court merely directed her to apologise, retract a social media post, and pay a N5 million fine—a judgment she has since appealed.
“It’s baffling that someone would appeal a court order and still act as though it were final,” he said.
“Even when a court gives an order, a litigant cannot enforce it by themselves. That’s the job of court officials, not politicians.”
He maintained that the Senate acted within its constitutional authority, citing Section 60 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate’s internal rulebook.
Reacting to criticisms of her being denied access, Adaramodu said the senator’s approach was confrontational and breached security protocol.
“If you come to the National Assembly with a mob chanting war songs and carrying placards, there’s no way security will let you in,” he added.
“Only senators in good standing can access the chamber. We cannot allow what appears to be illegality into the heart of our legislative business.”
He concluded by saying the Senate’s position remains unchanged unless a competent court delivers a definitive ruling declaring her suspension unconstitutional.
“This is not a personal issue between the Senate President and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It’s about the institution of the Senate. Until the court says otherwise in clear terms, the suspension stands.”