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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has offered insight into why she postponed her planned return to the Senate for legislative duties.
Speaking during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), she explained that her decision was guided by legal counsel and a commitment to due process in light of the recent court judgment overturning her suspension.
She noted that she intends to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before determining her next steps.
Addressing her activities outside the Senate during her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said she channelled her energy into empowering constituents and implementing development projects in fulfilment of her campaign pledges. She highlighted her progress on the Gold Reserve Bill and enumerated some recent interventions, including installing solar-powered streetlights, initiating smart market projects across local governments, and distributing hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.
According to her, these efforts underscore her unwavering resolve to bring tangible benefits to the people of Kogi Central despite her absence from plenary.
Following the earlier announcement of her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, there was tension within and around the National Assembly complex.
An unusually high presence of security personnel along with operational vehicles was noticed while vehicles moving in and out of the complex were thoroughly searched.
While the court described her suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, a legal opinion dated July 5, reportedly issued by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, argued that the ruling lacked an enforceable directive compelling the Senate to reinstate her.
Read also: Court Orders Akpabio, Others To Recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Senator Natasha said: “I remained active throughout. These are personal initiatives—I was hoping to finish the gold bill and move on to others like lithium and red mineral legislation. I can’t simply hand them over to others.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has decried her prolonged exclusion from parliamentary duties, describing it as a grave disservice to her constituents and Nigerian women at large.
In her words, the lawmaker lamented, “Keeping me away from the chambers is more than just silencing Kogi Central; it is depriving Nigerian women and children of their rightful voice. Today, we are only three female senators, down from eight.”
Despite the setback, she reaffirmed her unwavering dedication to legislative work, pledging to remain steadfast in her pursuit of initiatives that will uplift Kogi Central and advance national development.
Expressing optimism about her imminent return to the Senate, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan vowed to continue fulfilling her mandate regardless of the circumstances. She maintained her faith in the judicial process, declaring firmly, “I am not giving up.”
