- Safiu Kehinde
Clash has again erupted between supporters of Kogi lawmaker, Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and security officials attached to the National Assembly complex over access to the premises.
NPO Reported that the lifting of the lawmaker’s six-month suspension with the unsealing of her officer on Tuesday had attracted mammoth crowd of supporters who accompanied her to the Assembly complex.
While the Kogi lawmaker was allowed into the premises, the gate was shut against her supporter with security operatives who were heavily present at the legislative house forming barricade against the mammoth crowd.
Their wild jubilation of the mammoth crowd over Natasha’s resumption was met with strong resistance from the personnel who prevented them from gaining access into the complex.
In an effort to disperse the crowd, the security personnel deployed tear gas on the gathering.
Pictures shared on X showed some of the crowd covering their noses and scampering for safety as the fog of tear gas filled the air.
Several people were said to have sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Also among the crowd were human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, and Nigerian content creator, Randy Peter-Akah, who called for the reform of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He held that the parliament belongs to the people and not the home of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
‘Officers that are here, how much is there salary? Some of them are even owed salary. But they are here to uphold lawlessness. Senator Natasha is here to resume. She will resume without any condition.
‘This is parliament is not Akpabio’s house. It is the people’s parliament. Natasha was elected the same way Akpabio was elected.
2027 by God’s grace, when we reform INEC, Akpabio will go. Politicians like Akpabio will be retired in this country.” Peter said.
Reacting while addressing newsmen, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the dispersal of her supporters with tear gas.
She held that her return should have been handled with greater regard for democratic values.
“These are innocent Nigerians who came in peace; they deserve better,” she said.
According to reports, some staff and lawmakers also expressed concern over the incident with calls