Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has explained the reasons behind her decision to postpone resuming legislative duties at the National Assembly, despite a recent court ruling nullifying her suspension from the Senate.
Speaking during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), the lawmaker revealed that her delayed resumption was based on legal advice and a desire to respect due process. She stated that she is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before taking further action.
“I believe in the judiciary. I’m not giving up,” she said, affirming her continued commitment to her mandate and to her constituents.
While sidelined from legislative proceedings, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she remained actively engaged with her district through numerous constituency projects. She highlighted ongoing efforts to advance her Gold Reserve Bill, along with initiatives such as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, groundbreaking for smart markets across local governments, and the distribution of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.
“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 noted.
Her previously announced plan to return to the Senate on Tuesday triggered heightened tension around the National Assembly, with a notable increase in security presence and strict vehicle screening at the complex.
Although the court declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” a legal opinion dated July 5 by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, reportedly argued that the judgment lacked an explicit directive compelling the Senate to reinstate her.
Responding to her continued exclusion, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized the implications of her suspension, saying:
“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.”
Despite the legal and political hurdles, she reiterated her resolve to continue contributing meaningfully to national development:
“I remain committed to the development of Kogi Central and Nigeria as a whole—whether within or outside the Senate.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension had drawn widespread attention amid concerns over due process, gender representation, and the balance of power within the National Assembly.