Clerk to the National Assembly (NASS) Kamorudeen Ogunlana has clarified that his office lacks the authority to allow suspended senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties.
In a statement issued on Monday by the director of information, Bullah Bi-Allah, Mr Ogunlana said the clerk’s office functions strictly as an administrative arm that supports 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.
Bi-Allah noted that although the suspension was challenged in court, the Federal High Court did not invalidate it and no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the resolution.
On September 4, Akpoti-Uduaghan notified the clerk’s office of her intention to resume legislative duties.
According to Bi-Allah, the letter was forwarded to the Senate leadership, which observed that the matter was still pending at the Court of Appeal.
He said the clerk’s office was concerned by a letter from the senator’s lawyers accusing the clerk of overreach and threatening legal action.
Bi-Allah stressed that the authority to determine whether Akpoti-Uduaghan can return after her suspension rests solely 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.
The clerk urged patience, saying the matter should be left to the Senate and the courts to resolve.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for six months over alleged gross misconduct.
