Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has explained why she is yet to resume her legislative duties, despite a court ruling that nullified her suspension from the Senate.
Speaking during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT) on Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that her decision to delay returning to plenary is based on legal advice and her commitment to institutional procedures.
“I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up,” she said, emphasizing that she will wait for the Certified True Copy of the court judgment before taking any concrete steps toward resuming her senatorial functions.
Although the court had ruled her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional,” a counter-opinion reportedly issued by Senate legal counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, on July 5, argued that the judgment did not contain any enforceable directive mandating her immediate reinstatement.
Addressing the legal complexities, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that she has remained committed to her duties to her constituents, even outside the chambers.
“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 said.
She highlighted some of her constituency projects, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, the groundbreaking of smart markets across several local government areas, and the distribution of laptops to students of Meseta Memorial College.
Despite the favorable court ruling, the senator’s previously announced intention to return to the Senate on Tuesday triggered heightened security measures at the National Assembly. Reports indicated that multiple vehicles were stopped and searched, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding her possible return.
Beyond her personal case, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed concern over the broader democratic impact of her exclusion from legislative activities.
“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.
She concluded the interview by reaffirming her dedication to justice and public service, stating once again:
“I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up.”
