Nigeria, July 22 -- Suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed her determination to uphold the Nigerian Constitution after being barred from re-entering the National Assembly, despite a court ruling that nullified her suspension. In a statement to journalists at the assembly complex, she called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio to respect the rule of law.

"I arrived ready to reclaim my seat, but I was denied entry by security personnel. This is nothing short of contempt for the court's decision," Akpoti-Uduaghan declared. The senator, who represents Kogi Central, emphasized that her legitimacy comes from the people of Kogi, not from the Senate leadership.

"Akpabio cannot be greater than the Nigerian Constitution. The aut...