Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has clarified that her invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers for the commissioning of projects in Kogi State was purely procedural and followed Senate tradition, not a personal gesture.
The Kogi Central lawmaker extended the invitation on Thursday ahead of the inauguration of several constituency projects, just two months after her reinstatement from suspension. The events also coincide with her second year in office.
In a statement, Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she sent her invitation through the presiding officer, as required by parliamentary procedure, requesting that it be read formally on the Senate floor. “Today, as is customary for announcements of such nature, I wrote a letter to the Senate through the presiding officer to the Senate President to read on the floor,” she stated.
She emphasized that the move was in line with legislative etiquette and designed to foster inclusivity, adding that she did not want the event to appear as a private celebration. “I put out the invitation so it wouldn’t seem like I was celebrating in isolation. I’m a progressive person,” she said.
The senator, who has faced political challenges since her suspension earlier this year, noted that she remains committed to her legislative responsibilities despite pending court cases. She said her actions reflect a strong respect for institutional norms and transparency in public office.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that the upcoming commissioning is about service delivery and the welfare of her constituents, not personal recognition. “Even with ongoing court cases, I continue to carry out my duties in the chamber and follow proper procedures,” she added.
Her remarks come amid growing public interest in her political comeback and the scale of development projects being completed in Kogi Central under her representation.
