Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan showed up at the National Assembly on Tuesday, where a crowd of her supporters had already gathered outside the complex.

Security presence at the National Assembly gate was significantly heightened, with stern-looking officers inspecting vehicles and limiting access for visitors, directing them to park outside.

At least five police patrol vans were observed stationed at a key point near the Assembly gate.

The increased security followed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s declaration that she intended to resume her senatorial duties despite warnings from the Senate.

The senator, who was suspended in March, said over the weekend that she had officially informed the Senate of her plans to return, basing her decision on a recent court ruling.

Speaking during a constituency training session, she stated that she had written the Senate leadership about her return.

“I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order, it’s not an order, but it is a decision,” she insisted.

She emphasized that although her suspension hadn’t hindered her from carrying out constituency-related initiatives, it had prevented her from fully participating in legislative responsibilities such as introducing bills and sponsoring motions.

Her position was supported by her legal counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, West Idahosa, who asserted that the court’s ruling justified her return to the Senate.

“Let me be honest with you. Attendance is a legislative action.

“As far as we are concerned, we are focused on the appeal and other issues before the court.

“I think the decision to go back to the Senate will be determined by the constituents.

“Now that she said she wants to go and resume, let us see what the reaction of the Senate will be. But the most important thing is that she is still a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said in a phone interview.

When contacted on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s aide, Isah Bala, said he couldn’t confirm her immediate plans.

“It is not something I can immediately confirm now because we just returned from a programme in Okene,” he said, adding that he would provide clarity later.

By the time of reporting, Bala had yet to respond with further information.

Meanwhile, the Senate reiterated its stance that the senator remains suspended and barred from the chamber until the conclusion of the suspension period.

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, restated the Senate’s position on Sunday, saying there was no court order mandating her reinstatement.

In a separate development, activist Aisha Yesufu pledged to accompany Akpoti-Uduaghan to the Senate on Tuesday as a show of support.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Yesufu criticized the Senate’s position and cautioned against ignoring judicial decisions.

She also labeled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension as unconstitutional and accused the Senate of overstepping its bounds.

Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.

In a press statement released Monday, Babangida dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating online suggesting he had rejected the appointment. He described such claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.

“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” the statement read in part.

It further assured the public that those behind the fake reports would be identified and held accountable.

“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” it added.

The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain discerning and to verify information from credible sources.

Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across key government institutions.

The senate has issued a warning to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi central, advising her not to return to the national assembly until her suspension has been officially lifted.

On Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan declared her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, stating that she had formally notified the senate in writing.

However, in a statement on Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, who chairs the senate committee on media and public affairs, maintained that “no court order mandates the senate to reinstate the suspended lawmaker”.

Adaramodu emphasized the senate’s commitment to upholding due process and the principles of the rule of law.

According to the statement, “The senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.”

It continued that the senate had already released two previous statements after the court’s ruling and the issuance of the certified true copy of the enrolled order, making it evident that there was no binding instruction compelling the senate to bring her back.

Instead, the court issued a suggestion encouraging the senate to consider adjusting its standing orders and reassessing the suspension, which it viewed as possibly excessive.

The court also ruled clearly that the senate did not violate any laws or constitutional provisions in imposing disciplinary measures due to the senator’s conduct during plenary.

The statement noted that the same court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposed penalties, including a N5 million fine payable to the federal government and a directive to publish an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, which she allegedly has yet to do.

Adaramodu remarked that it was surprising and without legal basis for Akpoti-Uduaghan, while appealing and having filed a motion to delay the enforcement of those rulings, to act as if there is an existing recall order.

He cautioned that any move by her to return to the senate on Tuesday under a false assumption would be premature, disruptive, and violate legislative protocols.

He added that the senate would, when appropriate, review the court’s advice on amending its standing rules and addressing her recall, and communicate the outcome to her.

Until that time, she has been advised to remain away from the senate chambers and allow legal procedures to be completed.

On March 6, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for allegedly breaching its standing rules.

The suspension followed her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which she later pursued in court.

In July, the federal high court in Abuja ruled that the lawmaker should be reinstated, saying the length and manner of her suspension were too severe.

Nonetheless, the senate said it has not yet received the certified true copy of the judgment and would not take action without it.

Akpabio has filed an appeal to contest the court’s ruling.