Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the beleaguered lawmaker from Kogi Central Senatorial District, stated that she delayed her return to the Senate due to respect for protocol and legal advice.
Natasha added that before taking any more action, she plans to wait for the judgment’s Certified True Copy, or CTC.
She revealed this information in an interview with African Independent Television, or AIT.
Speaking in support of her actions outside of the chambers during her suspension, Natasha said she devoted the majority of her time to interacting with constituents by delivering democratic dividends in accordance with her declared commitment to a number of constituency projects and advancing her flagship “Gold Reserve Bill.”
Following her earlier declaration that she will resume her legislative duties on Tuesday, there was tension both inside and outside the National Assembly compound.
During the extensive check of vehicles entering and leaving the compound, it was discovered that an abnormally large number of security officers and operating vehicles were there.
While the court described her suspension as excessive and unconstitutional, a legal opinion dated July 5, reportedly issued by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, argued that the ruling lacked 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.
She reaffirmed her resolve to carry out her legislative duties and her dedication to the advancement of both Kogi Central and Nigeria overall.
Natasha pledged to continue fulfilling her mandate, whether within or outside the Senate, even if she is still optimistic about a prompt return to the Red Chamber.
“I’m not giving up; I believe in the judiciary,” she continued.
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