Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has explained why she has not yet resumed her seat at the Senate, despite a court ruling declaring her suspension unconstitutional.
In an interview with AIT, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she is waiting for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before officially returning. She noted that her legal team advised patience and respect for due process.
“Although the judgment was clear and in my favor, my lawyers asked me to wait for the official court document before making any move,” she said. “I believe in doing things the right way.”
Her suspension by the Senate had sparked public outcry, with critics calling it undemocratic. The court, in its judgment, ruled that her suspension violated constitutional rights.
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However, Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, argued that the judgment lacked a specific directive ordering the Senate to reinstate her, a claim her legal team has rejected.
Despite her absence from Senate plenary, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she’s been active. She highlighted several projects in Kogi Central, including the installation of over 300 solar streetlights, smart markets across local governments, and laptop distributions to students.
She also mentioned her ongoing work on a bill to manage Nigeria’s gold reserve, with plans to introduce legislation on lithium and other key minerals.
Akpoti-Uduaghan described her suspension as a blow to democracy and women’s representation, noting that only three women currently sit in the Nigerian Senate, down from eight.
On the day she was expected to return, heightened security around the National Assembly hinted at tension, but she chose not to force her way in.
“I remain committed to my people and to the rule of law,” she said. “I trust the judiciary, and I’m not backing down.”
