The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamorudeen Ogunlana, says his office “lacks the power” to allow suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to return to legislative duties.
A statement on Monday from the Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, explained that the clerk’s office functions as an “administrative arm” that supports the Senate based on its resolutions and the constitution.
The statement also said, “The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse or interpret Senate decisions.”
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Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6 for six months for “gross misconduct.”
Bi-Allah said that although the senator’s 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, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed the clerk’s office of her intention to resume duties. Bi-Allah said the correspondence was forwarded to the leadership of the “red chamber” which noted that the matter is still before the Court of Appeal.
The clerk’s office expressed “dismay” over a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers that accused the clerk of “overreach” and threatened legal action.
The statement maintained that the clerk has “at all times acted within lawful limits.”
The clerk’s office emphasized that “the authority to decide whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties after the suspension lies solely with the senate.”
According to the statement, “The Office of the Clerk remains guided by the principles of constitutionalism, institutional respect and the rule of law. The public is urged to remain patient and allow the appropriate institutions – including the Senate and the courts – to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.”
The Senate’s leadership maintains that any change to the suspension requires a “new resolution or a definite court order.”
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