Why I am yet to resume at Senate – Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan has disclosed that she is postponing her return to the Senate despite a court ruling that invalidated her suspension.

She explained that her decision was based on legal advice and the need to follow due process, noting she would wait for the Certified True Copy of the court judgment before taking further action.

The Kogi Central senator revealed this during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT).

While she was barred from participating in Senate activities, she emphasised that she remained connected to her constituents, focusing on grassroots development and ongoing legislative efforts, particularly her proposed Gold Reserve Bill.

Among her highlighted initiatives were the installation of solar-powered streetlights, laying the foundation for smart markets across various local governments, and donating laptops to students of Meseta Memorial College.

Following her earlier announcement of plans to resume duties at the Senate, heightened security was observed at the National Assembly complex, with officers and vehicles stationed strategically and conducting thorough checks.

Although the court described her suspension as unconstitutional and excessive, a legal opinion reportedly issued by Senate counsel Paul Daudu, SAN, on July 5, noted that the ruling did not explicitly instruct the Senate to reinstate her.

Natasha expressed frustration over her continued exclusion from parliamentary duties, saying, “By locking me out, the Senate isn’t just silencing Kogi Central, it’s silencing Nigerian women and children.

“Only three women are left in the Senate, down from eight.”

She stressed her commitment to legislative service and national development, vowing to push forward with or without access to the Senate chambers. “I trust in the judiciary,” she said. “I’m not backing down.”