Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has clarified her decision to delay her return to the Senate for legislative duties.

It has been reported that the outspoken senator made this known during a recent interview with African Independent Television (AIT) where she emphasized that she was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before deciding her next steps.

Senator Natasha, who had earlier announced her resumption date, caused a stir around the National Assembly complex when heavy security presence and thorough vehicle checks were observed, triggering public speculation.

The court had faulted her suspension, labeling it as excessive, but a legal opinion by Senate counsel, Mr. Paul Daudu, SAN, argued that the ruling lacked a binding directive to enforce her immediate reinstatement.

While the legal battle lingers, Akpoti-Uduaghan reassured her constituents and Nigerians at large that she remains active in service.

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

She highlighted her efforts outside the Senate, listing achievements such as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, commencement of smart market projects across local governments, and donation of hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College.

Senator Natasha also condemned her continued exclusion from the red chamber, describing it as a blow to democratic representation, especially for women and children.

“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation,” she said. “We are only three female senators now, down from eight.” 

Despite these challenges, she reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to legislative work and national development. “I believe in the judiciary,” she said. “I’m not giving up.” 

Diaspora Digital Media reports that as she awaits the CTC of the judgment, Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to continue delivering democratic dividends to her constituents.

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