Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has revealed the reasons behind her decision to postpone resuming her legislative duties at the Senate, despite a recent court judgment nullifying her suspension.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the African Independent Television (AIT), the Senator said her decision was guided by the legal advice of her team, who counseled patience and strict adherence to judicial processes. According to her, she is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court ruling which declared her suspension as unconstitutional before taking formal steps to return to the Red Chamber.
“I believe in the rule of law, and I am committed to doing things the right way,” she said. “Although the judgment is already public and was very clear in declaring my suspension illegal, my lawyers advised that I wait for the official court document before proceeding to resume. That’s exactly what I am doing.”
Her suspension had generated national debate, with legal experts and civil society groups criticizing it as undemocratic. The court, in its ruling, described the Senate’s action as not only excessive but a breach of constitutional rights. However, Senate Counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, in a legal advisory dated July 5, argued that the judgment did not carry a specific enforceable directive compelling the Senate to allow her back, a position Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team has disputed.
Despite her absence from plenary sessions, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that she has remained active in delivering democratic dividends to the people of Kogi Central. She listed various constituency projects executed during the period, including the installation of over 300 solar-powered streetlights, groundbreaking of “smart markets” across the local governments, and distribution of laptops to students in Meseta Memorial College.
She also disclosed that her legislative work has continued behind the scenes, especially with her proposed Private Member Bill on Nigeria’s Gold Reserve, which she says is designed to ensure the country derives maximum benefit from its mineral resources. “We are working to bring in similar legislation on lithium and other red minerals,” she noted.
The senator lamented that her exclusion from the Senate was not just an affront to democracy but a disservice to Nigerian women and children. “As we speak, we have only three women in the Nigerian Senate. Before now, we had eight. By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, but also diminishing the voice of women and youth in governance,” she said.
On the day she was initially expected to resume—Tuesday—tension rose within the National Assembly complex, with heightened security and extensive vehicular checks. While supporters anticipated her dramatic return, Akpoti-Uduaghan chose not to storm the premises, stressing her desire to maintain decorum and follow legal due process.
She reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to serving the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large. “I remain committed to delivering on my mandate whether inside or outside the chambers,” she said. “I believe in the judiciary. I’m not giving up.”
Her statement comes amid growing calls for the leadership of the Senate to respect the court ruling and allow her immediate resumption. Several civil society organizations and women advocacy groups have also condemned what they describe as a deliberate attempt to stifle representation from Kogi Central.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resilience has continued to earn her public support, especially from her constituents and advocates of gender equity in governance. As the wait for the CTC of the judgment continues, the Senator insists she is not deterred and remains focused on her mission.
Leave a Reply