Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been labeled a “content creator” by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, following her dramatic attempt to resume legislative duties at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday, July 22.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had arrived at the National Assembly claiming that she was ready to return to plenary, following a recent judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to her, the court ruled that her six-month suspension from the Senate was “excessive, punitive, and unconstitutional,” and as such, directed that she be reinstated to her seat immediately.
Despite citing the court decision, Akpoti-Uduaghan was denied access into the Senate building by security officials. Her attempt to force her way back into the red chamber drew the attention of both lawmakers and the public, sparking widespread reactions.
Responding to the development during an interview with Channels Television, Senator Adaramodu harshly criticized her action, dismissing it as a publicity stunt designed to attract attention. He described her conduct as “skit making” and likened it to a social media content production rather than a genuine legislative move.
“Senator Natasha is turning the institution of the Senate into a theatre stage. We are lawmakers, not entertainers. We are not interested in these antics,” Adaramodu said.
He went on to express his dismay at what he saw as a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the Senate.
“Initially, I thought this saga was simply content creation. But now, with each scene unfolding, it’s becoming a full-blown seasonal drama. Unfortunately, it is one playing out at the expense of the dignity of our institution.”
Adaramodu also took issue with the method Akpoti-Uduaghan employed to assert her right to resume duties. According to him, even if the court indeed ruled in her favor, she had no legal authority to enforce the judgment on her own.
“In any democratic system governed by the rule of law, court orders are not self-enforcing,” he stated.
“Even if a litigant receives a favorable ruling, they must wait for the appropriate judicial or enforcement officers—like court bailiffs—to serve the relevant parties. You don’t just walk in and enforce a judgment yourself.”
He noted that due process must be followed in matters involving legal interpretations and parliamentary decisions, especially when the judiciary and legislature are involved.
“There is a procedure for everything. Jumping protocol only fuels the perception that this is nothing more than a carefully scripted episode aimed at gaining sympathy or trending online,” he added.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension came earlier this year after a heated confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tensions escalated when she accused the Senate President of sexually harassing her—an allegation Akpabio has since denied. The Senate leadership viewed her conduct as disorderly and unbecoming of a lawmaker, leading to her suspension.
However, civil society groups, legal practitioners, and human rights advocates have argued that the Senate’s decision to suspend her was undemocratic and a violation of her constituents’ right to representation. They welcomed the recent court ruling and called for her immediate reinstatement.
Despite this legal backing, the ongoing standoff highlights the often tense relationship between the legislative arm and individual lawmakers who challenge its authority.
Senator Adaramodu’s remarks underscore the Senate’s firm stance on upholding its internal rules and maintaining what it sees as decorum within its ranks.
“We are not running a circus. We are a serious legislative institution tasked with the responsibility of lawmaking and oversight. We cannot be distracted by drama,” he said.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes remain on how the Senate leadership will respond to the court’s decision, and whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will eventually be allowed to resume her seat, either through enforcement of the court order or reconciliation within the chamber.