The Clerk to the National Assembly (NASS), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, has stated that his office has no authority to allow suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume legislative duties.
Naija News reports that Ogunlana’s submission was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, on behalf of the clerk.
Bi-Allah explained that the clerk’s office functions strictly as an administrative arm, supporting 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 read.
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for six months over alleged gross misconduct.
Bi-Allah noted that although the decision was challenged in court, the Federal High Court did not invalidate the suspension, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the resolution.
On September 4, the lawmaker notified the clerk’s office of her intention to resume legislative duties.
According to Bi-Allah, while the letter could have been addressed directly to the Senate President, it was forwarded to the red chamber’s leadership, which observed that the matter was still before the Court of Appeal.
He added that the clerk’s office was dismayed by a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers accusing the clerk of overreach and threatening legal action.
Only Senate Can Decide Natasha’s Resumption
Bi-Allah emphasised that the authority to determine whether Akpoti-Uduaghan can return after her suspension rests solely with the Senate and not the clerk.
“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.
He stressed that the clerk remains guided by constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law, urging the public to be patient and allow the Senate and courts to handle the matter.
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