After boldly declaring her intention to resume Senate duties this Tuesday, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has walked back her statement—placing her return on hold pending receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment that nullified her suspension.
The Kogi Central senator, who described the July 4 judgment as a victory for democracy, said she was ready to reclaim her seat and resume legislative responsibilities immediately. But by Monday evening, her tone had changed.
“As a matter of fact, we expect to have a CTC today, but that will determine our next step in action,” she told AIT.
This apparent reversal came just as the National Assembly ramped up security on Tuesday morning in anticipation of potential drama.
Some observers even speculated whether Natasha’s return would echo her surprise helicopter landing in Kogi, staged after the state government barred her from holding a campaign rally.
Despite the court’s strong wording against the suspension—which it called unconstitutional and excessive—the Senate remains unmoved.
A purported confidential legal memo dated July 5, allegedly signed by Paul Daudu, SAN, reaffirmed the Senate’s position: no enforceable order was given, and the court merely offered “comments” rather than binding directives.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, is adamant that her absence hasn’t dulled her service.
“I never stopped working. I kept pushing development projects, meeting with federal agencies, and delivering on the job,” she said, citing the installation of solar-powered streetlights, the launch of smart markets in two LGAs, and the distribution of over 700 laptops to secondary school students.
But at the heart of her return is a stalled legislative priority: her Gold Reserve Bill.
“That bill is critical. Nigeria loses billions in untapped gold and other minerals. I was hoping to pass it before moving to lithium and other strategic resources. These are not things I can just hand off.”
She also warned that her continued exclusion has broader consequences.
“Right now, there are only three women in the Senate. That’s unacceptable. Every time a female senator is silenced, Nigerian children and women lose a voice.”
Despite mounting frustration, Senator Natasha remains measured—and hopeful.
“The courts gave me this seat. I trust that the rule of law will prevail again. Until then, I stay prepared, I stay active, and I stay committed to those I represent—whether I’m on the Senate floor or not.”
Senatorr Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
