By Seyi Babalola
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, stated that she postponed her resumption in the Senate due to legal advice and respect for protocols.
Natasha also stated that she will wait for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement before deciding her next action.
She said this during an interview with African Independent Television (AIT).
Speaking in defence of her activities outside the chambers during her suspension, Natasha stated that she spent the majority of her time reaching out to constituents through the provision of democratic dividends, in accordance with her avowed commitment to several constituency projects, as well as making progress on her flagship, the ‘Gold Reserve Bill’.
There was tension within and outside the National Assembly compound following her previous declaration of resuming parliamentary responsibilities on Tuesday.
It was discovered that an abnormally large number of security officers and operating vehicles were present, while cars entering and exiting the site were extensively checked.
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 reiterated her commitment and determination to continue with her legislative functions and commitment to the development of not only Kogi Central but Nigeria as a whole.
While she remains hopeful of a timely return to the Red Chamber, Natasha vowed to continue delivering on her mandate, inside or outside the Senate.
“I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up,” she added.