………Commends Supporters for Standing Against Injustice
By Fatima Saka
Upon resumption of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central, on Monday, vowed not to issue an apology to the Senate as a condition for reopening her office, insisting that her suspension was illegal and fraught with procedural irregularities.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly Premises in Abuja, the lawmaker said she had not been officially communicated by the National Assembly regarding her status. According to her, the last correspondence from the Clerk stated that she would not be allowed to resume due to a pending appeal.
She expressed concern over media reports that the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, is expected to move a motion on October 7 demanding her apology before she can return.
“I am actually worried as to what apology they expect from me. You cannot apologize for an injustice,” she insisted. “The document that led to my illegal suspension, which was read by Senator Nnadi Maswen, originated from the office of the Senate President. The signatures attached were merely attendance sheets, not endorsements. That makes the entire process fraudulent.”
Condemning what she described as dictatorship in the Senate, she said she was treated as though she were “a domestic servant” rather than an elected representative of her people.
Despite the suspension, the senator noted that she continued to serve her constituency, ensuring projects, jobs, and opportunities were secured for her people.
She used the occasion to commend those who stood by her throughout the ordeal, expressing deep gratitude to her constituents in Kogi Central, her family, and Nigerians across political, civic, and professional platforms.
“I thank my husband and children for their sacrifices, and I am grateful to civil society leaders such as Aunty Obi, Dr. Aisha, Mama P, Peter, Dr. Ardiola, and Yemi of Enough is Enough. I also acknowledge legal voices like Femi Falana, as well as political leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President Bukola Saraki,” she said.
She further extended appreciation to political parties such as the Labour Party, ADC, and PDP, alongside institutions including the Nigerian Bar Association and Nigeria Labour Congress.
The senator also commended the media for their role in amplifying the injustice, despite periods of silence caused by fear of intimidation.
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“This shows that our institutions must be tested, and we must never bow in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than the other,” she emphasized.
Calling for renewed faith in democracy, she expressed optimism about Nigeria’s political future. “Our democracy is evolving. As we move towards 2027, we must act patriotically because we have a country to save.”
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