Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has clarified her choice to postpone her return to the Senate even after a recent court decision overturned her suspension.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the lawmaker announced her decision to postpone her planned return in deference to legal procedures and upon the advice of her legal team. She stressed the importance of following appropriate protocols when dealing with judicial rulings and legislative processes.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned that she plans to wait for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before proceeding with any actions related to resuming her legislative duties.
The federal lawmaker made this statement in an interview she gave to African Independent Television (AIT).
Defending her activities outside the chambers during her suspension, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she dedicated most of her time to connecting with constituents by delivering democratic benefits in accordance with her commitment to various constituency projects. She also made progress on advancing her flagship initiative, the Gold Reserve Bill.
She also highlighted her recent accomplishments, such as installing solar-powered streetlights, initiating the development of smart markets in local government areas, and distributing hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College, among other achievements.
After announcing her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, there was tension in and around the National Assembly complex.
A noticeable increase in security personnel and operational vehicles was observed, as well as thorough searches of vehicles entering and exiting the complex.
Although the court deemed her suspension both excessive and unconstitutional, a legal opinion dated July 5 by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, suggested that the ruling did not include an enforceable directive obligating the Senate to reinstate her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated, "I stayed actively involved the whole time. These are personal projects—I aimed to complete the gold bill and then work on other initiatives like lithium and red mineral legislation. I can’t just pass them off to others."
Expressing her discontent with being barred from fulfilling her legislative duties, she remarked, "Excluding me from the chambers doesn't just silence Kogi Central; it also deprives Nigerian women and children of representation. Our number has dwindled to three female senators now, a decrease from eight."
The Senator reaffirmed her dedication and resolve to persist with her legislative duties, focusing on the advancement of both Kogi Central and Nigeria as a whole.
Though she is optimistic about a swift return to the Red Chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan pledged to fulfill her commitments both within and outside of the Senate.
"I have faith in the judiciary, and I'm not giving up," she added.
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