Natasha clarifies her absence from Senate, explains how she serves her constituents regardless
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has explained that she did not resume at the Senate on Tuesday as planned, based on legal advice and respect for procedure which necessitate availability of the certified true copy (CTC) of the court ruling quashing her suspension for six months.
She made the clarification on Africa Independent Television (AIT), where she also recounted how she has spent most of her time away from the Red Chamber reaching out to constituents to provide democratic dividends.
Natasha said the social provision is in line with her commitment to constituency projects as well as making progress on her flagship Gold Reserve Bill.
She listed her recent achievements to include:
- Installation of solar-powered streetlights.
- Groundbreaking for smart markets across councils.
- Distribution of hundreds of laptop computers to students at Meseta Memorial College, among others.
“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,” Natasha stressed.
“By keeping me out of the Chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central – it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female Senators now, down from eight.”
She reiterated her determination to continue with her legislative functions and the development of Kogi Central and Nigeria as a whole, in and outside the Senate.
She expressed hope of a timely return to the Senate, saying, “I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up.”
The Abuja Federal High Court last Friday ruled that her suspension is excessive and unconstitutional, but a legal opinion dated July 5 reportedly issued by Senate counsel Paul Daudu SAN, argued that the judgment lacks an enforceable directive compelling the Senate to reinstate her.
The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio over Natasha’s social media post which violated a gag order imposed on all parties by the court.
There was tension in and around the National Assembly (NASS) complex on Tuesday following her announcement that she would resume legislatives duties on the day, sequel to the court verdict.
Security was beefed up and vehicles driving in and out of the complex were thoroughly searched.
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