The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has clarified her decision to delay resuming her legislative duties at the Senate, citing adherence to legal counsel and procedural respect following a court’s nullification of her suspension. During an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), she revealed that she is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking further action.
Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her activities during the suspension period, emphasizing her continued engagement with constituents through various development projects. She highlighted achievements such as installing solar-powered streetlights, initiating smart market projects across local governments, and distributing laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College. These efforts align with her commitment to delivering democratic dividends and advancing her legislative agenda, particularly her flagship Gold Reserve Bill.
The senator’s planned return to the Senate on Tuesday sparked heightened security measures around the National Assembly, with thorough vehicle searches and increased personnel presence. Despite the court ruling the suspension unconstitutional, a legal opinion from Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, contended that the judgment lacked an enforceable directive to reinstate her.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed frustration over her continued exclusion, stating, “By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central—it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight.” She affirmed her resolve to continue her legislative work and constituency development, inside or outside the Senate chambers, underscoring her faith in the judiciary and her refusal to give up. Okay.ng reports.
