Security operatives on Monday locked all gates leading to the national assembly complex, preventing Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from entering the premises as senate plenary resumes.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi central, had vowed to resume legislative duties following a court ruling that the senate should consider recalling her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March over alleged misconduct on the floor of the senate.
She had accused Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, of sexual harassment. He has since denied the allegation.
Arriving at the national assembly in a black vehicle, the senator was stopped at the gate by security personnel who insisted she could not be allowed in.
Her convoy was turned back, including a car conveying Aisha Yesufu, a social activist.
Despite the blockade, Akpoti-Uduaghan stepped out of her car and proceeded on foot toward the main entrance of the assembly complex, accompanied by some supporters who cheered her on.
Her attempted return comes days after she cited a court judgment as grounds for resuming her legislative duties.
However, the senate noted that no such order compels her immediate reinstatement.
In a statement on Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, the senate spokesperson, said the court only gave a non-binding advisory and did not issue any mandatory directive requiring the senate to recall Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“There is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu said.
He added that the senate would review the court’s advisory at the appropriate time and communicate its decision accordingly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attempt to resume has heightened tension within the legislature and drawn public attention to the issues surrounding her suspension.
As of the time of this report, plenary had commenced without her presence in the chamber.
Security remained tight around the national assembly, with all vehicular access points still under lock.
