Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has revealed that she is postponing her return to Senate duties, citing legal advice and a commitment to due process. This decision comes after a court ruling that nullified her controversial suspension from the Senate.
Speaking in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she chose to hold off on resuming legislative functions until she obtains the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment. She emphasized that this approach was based on counsel from her legal team and her respect for institutional procedures.
Defending her continued public engagement during the period of suspension, the senator said she remained actively involved in grassroots development. She highlighted her sustained efforts in delivering democratic dividends to her constituents through various initiatives, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, laying the foundation for smart market projects across local governments, and distributing hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also provided updates on her legislative priorities, noting that she had made significant progress on her flagship Gold Reserve Bill. She expressed a strong desire to complete the bill and expand her legislative focus to other critical mineral resources like lithium and red minerals.
Amid earlier reports of her planned resumption to the Senate on Tuesday, tension reportedly escalated around the National Assembly. A heavy security presence was observed, with thorough checks on vehicles entering and exiting the complex, fueling speculation about the unfolding political drama.
Although the court ruled that her suspension was excessive and unconstitutional, a legal opinion issued by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, on July 5, asserted that the judgment lacked a direct order mandating the Senate to reinstate her. This legal ambiguity appears to be at the heart of the delay in her return.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, condemned the continued exclusion from her legislative duties, stating that it effectively denies representation not just to the people of Kogi Central but also to Nigerian women and children. She lamented that the number of female senators in the chamber had dropped from eight to just three, highlighting the broader implications of her absence.
Despite the ongoing legal and political challenges, she reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to serving her constituents and contributing to national development. Whether from within or outside the Senate, she pledged to keep working toward fulfilling her legislative and developmental mandates.
“I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up,” she declared, signaling her resolve to pursue justice while staying focused on her goals.