Supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have taken to the streets of Abuja, demanding the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The demonstration, which began early Wednesday morning, saw a large crowd of protesters gathered at the National Assembly gate, calling for justice and an end to what they described as political intimidation.
The protesters, many carrying placards with bold inscriptions, arrived at the National Assembly Complex as early as 8 a.m., just as the Senate is expected to resume plenary. However, security personnel stationed at the complex denied them access, preventing them from taking their protest inside the premises. Security operatives reportedly fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, forcing them to relocate to the Unity Fountain, a popular venue for public protests in Abuja.
The protest comes amid a heated political dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, and Senate President Akpabio. The clash began on February 20 over seating arrangements in the Senate chamber, an incident that quickly escalated. Following the altercation, Akpoti-Uduaghan was summoned by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary action.
However, a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Senate from taking any punitive measures against her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan on National TV accused Akpabio of targeting her because she had rejected his alleged sexual advances. She also filed a ₦100 billion defamation lawsuit against the Senate President, accusing him of attempting to tarnish her reputation.