The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has disclosed that her decision to defer her resumption at the National Assembly was based on legal counsel and adherence to due process.
Speaking during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she would await the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment declaring her suspension unconstitutional before determining her next course of action.
Her intended return had generated tension around the National Assembly complex, as an increased deployment of security personnel and operational vehicles was observed, with heightened checks on vehicular movement in and out of the premises.
Despite the court’s ruling describing her suspension as excessive and unlawful, a legal opinion dated 5 July—reportedly authored by Senate counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN—asserted that the judgement lacked a binding directive mandating the Senate to reinstate her.
Addressing her activities during the suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that she remained fully engaged with her legislative agenda and constituency obligations. She highlighted her continued work on several constituency projects and her flagship legislative proposal—the Gold Reserve Bill.
“I remained active throughout. These are personal initiatives. I was hoping to complete the Gold Bill and proceed to others, including lithium and red mineral legislation. I cannot simply abandon them,” she said.
Reaffirming her commitment to her senatorial duties, the embattled lawmaker vowed to keep advancing the interests of her constituents and contributing to national development, regardless of her current status in the chamber.
“I believe in the judiciary. I am not giving up,” she affirmed.
