ABUJA — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has explained her decision to delay her return to the Senate despite a recent court ruling overturning her suspension.
Speaking in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), the senator said her action was guided by legal counsel and a desire to respect due process. She noted that she would wait to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before deciding on her next steps.
During the interview, Senator Natasha defended her activities during the period of her suspension, saying she remained fully engaged with her constituents. She highlighted various developmental initiatives, including the launch of solar-powered streetlights, the groundbreaking for modern “smart markets” across several local governments, and the distribution of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.
She also mentioned continued progress on her legislative work, particularly her Gold Reserve Bill, which she described as a flagship proposal, with plans to follow it up with similar bills on lithium and red minerals.
Her earlier announcement of a possible return to the Senate on Tuesday had sparked heightened tension around the National Assembly complex, prompting the deployment of a large number of security personnel and a rigorous screening of vehicles entering and exiting the premises.
Although a court ruled that her suspension was unconstitutional and disproportionate, a legal opinion issued by Senate counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, on July 5, reportedly stated that the judgment did not contain an enforceable order requiring her reinstatement.
Commenting further, Senator Natasha said, “I’ve continued my work, even outside the chambers. These projects are personal initiatives. I’m determined to see them through.”
She criticized the Senate’s decision to bar her from legislative duties, saying it undermines the democratic rights of her constituents and reduces the already limited representation of women in the Senate. “Excluding me doesn’t just affect Kogi Central—it silences Nigerian women and youth. There are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she noted.
Despite the challenges, Senator Natasha reaffirmed her dedication to legislative service and national development, saying she remains committed to her mandate and hopeful of returning to the Red Chamber soon.
“I trust the judiciary,” she said. “I’m not backing down.”
