The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has explained her decision to postpone her return to legislative duties at the Senate, despite a recent court ruling nullifying her suspension.
Speaking in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Senator Natasha stated that her decision was based on legal counsel and a commitment to procedural integrity, pending the receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
“I’m acting on legal advice. While the court has described the suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, we must follow due process. I’m waiting for the CTC before deciding my next move,” she said.
Despite being barred from the Senate chamber, Natasha maintained that she remained active and continued to serve her constituents through various initiatives. She highlighted recent projects including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, groundbreaking for smart markets across local governments, and the distribution of hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.
She also reaffirmed her dedication to advancing legislative work, especially her flagship Gold Reserve Bill, adding that she had plans to move forward with proposed legislation on lithium and red minerals. “These are personal initiatives. I can’t simply hand them over to others,” she said.
The senator’s earlier announcement of her planned resumption on Tuesday sparked heightened tension around the National Assembly, with a significant deployment of security personnel and intense vehicle screenings at entry points.
A legal opinion dated July 5 and reportedly authored by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, argued that the court ruling, though in her favor, lacked a binding directive mandating her reinstatement.
Senator Natasha decried her continued exclusion, saying, “By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central—it’s denying Nigerian women and children their rightful representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight.”
Her remarks add to growing public discourse on legislative accountability, gender inclusion, and the need for institutional respect for judicial pronouncements.
Comments