The Digest:
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has explained why she delayed her planned return to the Senate for legislative duties. The decision was made based on legal advice and respect for procedures following a court ruling that nullified her suspension.
Key Points:
- Awaiting Judgment: Akpoti-Uduaghan shared her intention to await the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before making any further moves.
- Constituency Engagement: Despite the suspension, the senator remained active by providing democratic dividends to her constituents, such as installing solar-powered streetlights, groundbreaking smart markets, and distributing laptops to students.
- Gold Reserve Bill: Akpoti-Uduaghan continued work on her flagship Gold Reserve Bill during her suspension and other legislative initiatives, like lithium and red mineral legislation.
- Senate's Exclusion of Women: Speaking out against her continued exclusion from the chambers, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that denying her representation silences Kogi Central and Nigerian women, with female senators now reduced to only three from eight.
The senator is committed to returning to her legislative role while continuing her mandate and advocacy for Kogi Central and Nigeria as a whole. She remains hopeful for a timely resolution and return to the Senate, firmly standing by her belief in the judiciary.
Sources: African Independent Television (AIT)
