Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Explains Delay in Senate Resumption

The embattled Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has revealed that her postponed return to the Senate was based on legal counsel and a desire to respect proper procedures.

Speaking in an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Akpoti-Uduaghan said she is waiting to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before deciding her next course of action.

Defending her activities during her suspension, Natasha explained that she focused on constituency engagement by delivering democratic dividends and advancing several projects, including progress on her flagship ‘Gold Reserve Bill’.

Her planned return to the Senate on Tuesday had sparked tension within the National Assembly complex, with heightened security presence and thorough vehicle checks reported.

Although the court ruled her suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, a legal opinion dated July 5 from Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, argued that the judgment did not include an enforceable directive compelling the Senate to reinstate her.

“I remained active throughout. These are personal initiatives—I was hoping to finish the gold bill and move on to others like lithium and red mineral legislation. I can’t simply hand them over to others,” she said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her dedication to her legislative duties and commitment to the development of Kogi Central and Nigeria at large.

While hopeful for a swift return to the Red Chamber, she vowed to continue delivering on her mandate regardless of her official status.

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