Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has inaugurated smart markets and unveiled five life-changing projects for her constituents in Kogi Central, all while under suspension from the Senate. The lawmaker, who has faced a turbulent few months, said these efforts were part of her commitment to ensure that her people continued to feel the impact of democratic governance despite her absence from legislative sessions.
In an interview with African Independent Television (AIT), Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she chose not to immediately resume at the Senate following a court ruling that nullified her suspension, opting instead to wait for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment. She noted that her decision was rooted in respect for due process and sound legal counsel. Meanwhile, a legal opinion by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, dated July 5, maintained that the judgment lacked a clear order mandating her reinstatement, further complicating her return.
Despite her suspension, the senator stressed that she remained deeply engaged with her legislative priorities and constituency work. She highlighted the installation of solar-powered streetlights across several communities, the groundbreaking of smart markets in local government areas, and the distribution of hundreds of laptops to students at Meseta Memorial College as evidence of her unwavering dedication. She also underscored progress on her Gold Reserve Bill, which she hopes to expand into legislation on lithium and other mineral resources.
Her earlier announcement of plans to return to the Senate had sparked noticeable tension around the National Assembly complex, leading to heightened security checks and an increased presence of operatives. While the court characterized her suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, the political and legal uncertainties have left her legislative seat effectively in limbo.
Akpoti-Uduaghan argued that excluding her from Senate proceedings did more than just silence Kogi Central; it deprived Nigerian women and children of crucial representation. “We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she lamented, pointing to the broader implications of her suspension on gender balance in governance. Reaffirming her resolve to continue serving her constituents and advancing critical legislation, she said her dedication to both Kogi Central and Nigeria remained unshaken.
“I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up,” she added, vowing to persist with her work, whether inside the chambers or out, until she is fully reinstated”.
