Why Senator Natasha Can’t Resume Yet

Clerk says only Senate can decide Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption
Court yet to nullify or reverse Senate’s six-month suspension decision
NASS Clerk insists office has no power to override Senate resolutions

The Clerk to the National Assembly (NASS), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, has clarified that his office lacks the authority to permit suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties.

This was contained in a statement released on Monday by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, on behalf of the clerk.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the statement, the clerk’s office functions strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the Senate in line with its resolutions, standing orders, and the 1999 Constitution.

“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions,” the statement noted.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for six months over allegations of gross misconduct. Although the decision was challenged in court, Bi-Allah stated that the Federal High Court did not invalidate the suspension, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or alter the resolution.

The statement further disclosed that on September 4, the lawmaker wrote to the clerk’s office, notifying of her intention to resume legislative duties. The letter, however, was forwarded to the Senate leadership, which pointed out that the matter is still pending before the Court of Appeal.

Bi-Allah expressed concern over a subsequent letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers accusing the clerk of exceeding his mandate and threatening legal action.

He stressed that the authority to decide the senator’s return lies exclusively with the Senate.

“It must be emphasised that the determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right without any further or fresh resolution of the Senate following the expiration of her six months suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly,” the statement added.

Bi-Allah concluded that the clerk remains committed to constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law, urging the public to allow the Senate and judiciary to address the matter appropriately.