The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has opened up on the reason she decided to delay her official return to the Senate despite a court ruling that voided her recent suspension from legislative duties.

The senator previously announced a plan to resume at the National Assembly on Tuesday, which sparked tension.

There was increased security presence observed around the complex. Several vehicles were stopped and searched, reflecting the weight of anticipation surrounding her possible return.

However, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she would await the Certified True Copy of the court judgment before making any definitive move regarding her return to plenary sessions.

The lawmaker, during an appearance on the African Independent Television on Tuesday, said that her decision was guided by legal counsel and a deep respect for institutional procedures

She said, “I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up.”

She also used the opportunity to defend her activities since her exclusion from the chamber, saying her commitment to constituents has remained unwavering.

“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 explained.

“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she said.

Reaffirming her commitment to public service, she concluded, “I believe in the judiciary, I’m not giving up.”