The embattled lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, said she postponed her resumption at the Senate based on legal advice and respect for procedures.
Natasha also said that she intends to wait for the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment before making her next move.
She made this disclosure during an interview she granted to the African Independent Television, AIT.
Speaking in defence of her activities outside the chambers while her suspension lasted, Natasha explained that she spent most of her time reaching out to constituents through the provision of democratic dividends in line with her avowed commitment to several constituency projects as well as making progress on her flagship, ‘Gold Reserve Bill’.
There was tension within and around the National Assembly complex following her earlier announcement of resuming legislative duties on Tuesday,
It was gathered that an unusually high presence of security personnel, along with operational vehicles, was noticed while vehicles moving in and out of the complex were thoroughly searched.
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.
