Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has explained why she has postponed her return to legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that overturned her suspension from the Senate.
In an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was acting on legal advice to await the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before making any move to resume.
“I chose to await the CTC of the judgment before resuming, in accordance with legal advice. It’s important to follow due process,” she stated.
Her initial plan to return to the Senate on Tuesday had sparked tension around the National Assembly complex, prompting heightened security measures and thorough vehicle checks.
Although the court described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional,” a legal opinion dated July 5, allegedly prepared by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, noted that the judgment did not expressly order the Senate to reinstate her.
While suspended, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she continued to engage with her constituents, pursuing personal and legislative projects, including the Gold Reserve Bill.
“These are personal initiatives, I’ve been working on constituency projects and legislative drafts like the Gold Reserve Bill. I can’t simply hand them over to someone else,” she explained.
She listed some of her recent constituency efforts, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, groundbreaking ceremonies for smart markets across local governments, and the distribution of hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.
Akpoti-Uduaghan warned that her continued exclusion from the Senate impacts not just her career but the broader representation of Kogi Central and women in governance.
“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central; it’s denying Nigerian women and children their voice. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she lamented.
She reaffirmed her commitment to her legislative agenda and expressed confidence in returning to the Senate soon.
“I believe in the judiciary. I’m not giving up. Whether inside or outside the Senate, I will continue delivering on my mandate,” she said.