Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke on Sunday in Okene, Kogi state, during
the inauguration of a new market.

She noted that although several senators reached out
privately to express solidarity, they avoided public association with her for
fear of political consequences.

The lawmaker described her suspension as illegal, noting
that it exposed how fear and political intimidation shape behaviour within
government institutions.

“When a government official faces challenges, isolation
comes naturally,” she said.

“Even when people are sympathetic, they are afraid to
associate with you openly for fear of being castigated or persecuted.

“Many senators stood by me quietly — they called, they
visited — but in public, they couldn’t show it. I’m not offended by that.”

Akpoti-Uduaghan said the suspension also had adverse effects
on contractors handling constituency projects in her district, who, she said
faced delays and obstacles due to political interference.

“The 2025 budget only became active during the course of my
illegal suspension,” she said.

“A number of contractors struggled to get their award
letters because the projects were allocated to Kogi Central. It wasn’t easy
getting these awards and commencing construction because of politics.”

Despite the setbacks, the senator said she remained focused
on serving her constituents and refused to allow them to share in her ordeal.

Since her return to the senate chamber on September 24 after
serving a six-month suspension, the senator has gradually re-engaged in
legislative activities.

On October 18, she attended a legislative retreat organised
by the ministry of solid minerals development.

On October 30, Akpoti-Uduaghan sponsored a bill seeking to
establish a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centres across Nigeria to
promote early diagnosis, research, education, and care for persons with autism
spectrum disorders (ASD).