Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Explains Return to Senate Delay, Says it’s Over Legal Advice

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has explained her decision to delay her return to the Senate despite a recent court ruling that nullified her suspension.

Speaking in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), the lawmaker said she opted to hold off on resuming duties based on legal counsel and out of respect for due process. She disclosed that she is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking her next step.

“The legal advice I received was clear—wait for the CTC before making any move,” she said.

Addressing her activities during the period of her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan defended her continued engagement with constituents. She highlighted several constituency projects, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights, the groundbreaking of smart markets across local governments, and the distribution of hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.

She also emphasized progress on her signature legislative proposal—the Gold Reserve Bill—and hinted at future plans to introduce legislation on lithium and red minerals.

“These are personal initiatives. I was hoping to complete the Gold Bill and move on to others. I can’t simply hand them over to someone else,” she stated.

Her earlier announcement of plans to resume on Tuesday had sparked tension at the National Assembly, with an unusual deployment of security operatives and tight vehicle checks at the complex.

While the court described her suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, a legal opinion dated July 5 and reportedly issued by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, contended that the judgment lacked a clear directive mandating her reinstatement.

Speaking out against her exclusion, Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central—it’s denying Nigerian women and children their rightful representation. We are now only three female senators, down from eight.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to legislative service and national development, declaring that she will continue to deliver on her mandate regardless of her current access to the Senate floor.

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