ABUJA, NG — July 9, 2025 | IDNN Legal & Politics Desk
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has delayed her official return to the Senate chamber despite securing a landmark court judgment nullifying her suspension from legislative duties.
Speaking in an interview, Senator Natasha said she will not resume until she receives the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment and her legal team reviews it for procedural compliance.
“I believe in the judiciary. I’m not giving up,” she said.
The court had declared her suspension “excessive and unconstitutional”, sparking public interest and a tense atmosphere around the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Legal Battle Far From Over
While the court ruling clearly voided her suspension, a counter-legal opinion reportedly issued by the Senate Legal Counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, on July 5, argued that the ruling lacks enforceable directives compelling the Senate to reinstate her.
Senator Natasha acknowledged the conflicting positions and emphasized her respect for institutional processes.
“I want to ensure all is legally airtight before making my move,” she said.
“I Never Stopped Serving My People”
Despite her exclusion from the red chamber, Natasha detailed a list of constituency-focused projects she continued to execute:
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Solar-powered streetlights across Kogi LGAs
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Groundbreaking of smart markets
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Laptop donations to students of Meseta Memorial College
“I never paused. My commitment to my constituents never stopped. But I also want to resume plenary to continue championing bills on gold, lithium, and red mineral regulation.”
She expressed frustration at being forced to delay progress on legislation that she had already advanced before the suspension.
Heightened Security at the Senate
On Tuesday, a heavy security presence was reported at the National Assembly amid anticipation of her possible return. Vehicles were stopped and searched, and several aides were denied access — a clear signal of political tension.
“Keeping me out doesn’t just silence Kogi Central,” she said. “It reduces female representation. We are only three women in the Senate now—down from eight.”
She framed her case as not just a personal matter, but a crucial test of gender equity and constitutional rights.
🗳️ Symbol of Institutional Reform?
Legal experts say Natasha’s case could become a benchmark for future legislative accountability, particularly around the arbitrary use of suspension as a political tool.
The senator remains committed to her legal strategy and said her eventual return will mark a renewed push for reform bills and youth empowerment initiatives.
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