Akpoti-Uduaghan Delays Senate Return, Awaits Court CTC

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said she will not yet resume legislative duties at the Senate despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension. The Kogi Central lawmaker said her decision is rooted in respect for due process and legal advice.

Speaking during a tv interview on Tuesday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said she would await the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s judgment before making any formal move to return to plenary.

“I’m acting on legal counsel and my respect for institutional order. Until I get the CTC, I won’t proceed,” she noted.

A Federal High Court recently ruled her suspension by the Senate as “excessive and unconstitutional.” However, a legal opinion dated July 5 and credited to the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu, SAN, argues that the court did not issue a binding order requiring the Senate to reinstate her.

Addressing the seeming deadlock, Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained her faith in the judiciary and insisted she remains committed to serving the people of Kogi Central.

Tensions ran high at the National Assembly on Tuesday following reports of her planned return. Security was heightened, with several vehicles subjected to thorough checks at entry points, reflecting uncertainty over how her reappearance would be received.

But for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, the issue goes beyond her seat.

“By keeping me out, the Senate isn’t just silencing Kogi Central it’s also denying Nigerian women and children a voice. We’ve gone from eight to just three female senators. That’s a democratic loss.”

She reaffirmed her resolve to keep advocating for her constituents and the broader ideals of representation and justice.