Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Delays Return Pending Certified Court Judgment

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has announced a delay in her return to the Senate despite a court ruling that declared her recent suspension unconstitutional. The lawmaker cited legal counsel and respect for due process as her reasons for postponing her resumption.

In an interview with AIT (African Independent Television), Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized her faith in the judicial process and her dedication to democratic principles.

“I believe in the judiciary. I’m not giving up,” she affirmed.

Legal Counsel and Court Ruling

While the court recently ruled her suspension as unconstitutional and excessive, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before making any official move to resume.

According to a legal opinion from Senate Counsel Paul Daudu (SAN), the ruling did not explicitly order the Senate to reinstate her. This has added a layer of complexity to her return, prompting a cautious legal approach.

Continued Legislative Contributions During Suspension

The senator emphasized that despite her absence from the chamber, she remained active in serving her constituents. Her recent contributions include:

• Progress on her Gold Reserve Bill

• Installation of solar-powered streetlights

• Laptop distribution to students at Meseta Memorial College

• Groundbreaking of smart markets across local governments

“These are personal initiatives. I was hoping to finish the Gold Bill and move on to lithium and red mineral legislation,” she said.

Security Presence at National Assembly

Tensions escalated at the National Assembly recently when Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted to return to her seat. Her presence triggered an increased security deployment, with extensive checks on all vehicles entering the premises.

Concerns Over Gender Representation

Lamenting the broader implications of her exclusion, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted:

“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.”

Final Word

Despite the legal uncertainty, Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to national service.

“I remain determined to fulfill my legislative duties and to advance the development of not just Kogi Central but Nigeria as a whole.”