The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has clarified her decision to delay her official return to the Senate, despite a court ruling that voided her recent suspension from legislative duties.
In an interview with the African Independent Television on Tuesday, the lawmaker explained that her decision was guided by legal counsel and a deep respect for institutional procedures.
She stated that she would await the Certified True Copy of the court judgment before making any definitive move regarding her return to plenary sessions.
While the court described the suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional,” a counter-opinion dated July 5, reportedly authored by Senate legal counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, claimed that the ruling lacked any enforceable directive compelling the Senate to reinstate her.
Acknowledging the legal back-and-forth, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up.”
She also used the opportunity to defend her activities since her exclusion from the chamber, saying her commitment to constituents has remained unwavering.
“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,” she explained.
She listed some of her recent efforts, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, the groundbreaking of smart markets across various local government areas, and the distribution of laptops to students of Meseta Memorial College.
Despite the court ruling in her favour, the senator’s previously announced plan to resume at the National Assembly on Tuesday sparked tension, with increased security presence observed around the complex. Several vehicles were stopped and searched, reflecting the weight of anticipation surrounding her possible return.
Still, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains focused on the broader implications of her suspension, particularly its impact on democratic representation.
“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 said.
Reaffirming her commitment to public service, she concluded, “I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up.”
Credit: Punch