The suspended Kogi Central senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has revealed that she purposely postponed her return to the Senate based on legal advice and procedural rules, notwithstanding a court order that overturned her suspension.
During an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), the senator revealed that she was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgement before proceeding with her legislative duties.
“I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up,” she said, reaffirming her faith in the legal process.
Although the court declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” a legal opinion reportedly issued by Senate counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, on July 5, argued that the ruling did not include an enforceable order compelling the Senate to recall her, raising concerns about her immediate return.
In response to questions about her activities during her suspension, Natasha defended her absence from the chambers, noting that she remained actively involved with her constituents and legislative agenda.
“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,” Natasha said.
She stated that despite being barred from Senate proceedings, she continued to provide democratic dividends to her constituents, citing accomplishments such as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, groundbreaking ceremonies for smart markets across local governments, and the distribution of hundreds of laptop computers to students at Meseta Memorial College.
“My exclusion from the chambers isn’t just about me; it’s about the silencing of Kogi Central,” the senator added.
“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.”
Natasha’s initial announcement of a planned return on Tuesday had sparked tension within the National Assembly Complex, with an unusually heavy presence of security personnel and operational vehicles.
Movement into and out of the compound was strictly watched, with vehicles being thoroughly searched on Tuesday.
Despite the delay in her official resumption, Natasha vowed to carry out her legislative mandate and dedication to national development.
“I remain committed to the development of not only Kogi Central but Nigeria as a whole,” she said. “I will continue to deliver on my mandate, whether inside or outside the Senate.”
