Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has declared that her continued exclusion from the red chamber is not just an injustice to her constituency but a silencing of women in the national assembly.
The senator made the statement while speaking on AIT, following her decision to shelve plans to resume plenary on Tuesday.
She said she would await the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, which nullified her suspension, before taking further action.
Her change of stance came amid noticeable tension at the national assembly on Monday, with increased security presence suggesting expectations of a dramatic return.
The federal high court had declared her suspension unconstitutional and excessive, but a legal advisory issued on July 5 by Paul Daudu, SAN, counsel to the senate, claimed the ruling contained no enforceable order for reinstatement.
Her words: “By keeping me out of the chambers, the senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, t’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight.”
She said her absence from plenary is not just a legal matter, but one that threatens progress on legislation critical to national development.
Despite being suspended, Natasha said she remained active, citing her engagement with federal agencies and delivery of development projects in Kogi Central.
She listed some of her achievements during the period, including solar-powered streetlights, ground-breaking ceremonies for smart markets, and the distribution of laptops to students of Meseta Memorial College.
“I have been engaging MDAs, pushing development, and staying focused on my mandate,” she said.
While awaiting the court document, she reaffirmed her commitment to her constituents and expressed confidence in the judiciary.
“I will continue to deliver on my mandate, whether inside or outside the Senate,” she said.
