The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, has clarified that he holds no power to reverse or modify the six-month suspension imposed on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central, affirming the administrative role of his office within constitutional and procedural boundaries.
In an official statement issued through the National Assembly’s Director of Information, Mr. Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Ogunlana responded to growing media reports and public debate surrounding Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and her recent attempt to resume legislative duties despite the ongoing legal tussle.
The suspension was enacted by the Senate on March 6, 2025, following an internal resolution. Although Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged the decision in court, the Federal High Court has yet to overturn the Senate’s resolution or issue any binding order altering the suspension.
On September 4, 2025, the Senator formally notified the Clerk’s Office of her intention to return to the Senate.
However, the Senate leadership, as communicated by the Clerk’s Office, reiterated that her suspension remains valid pending resolution by the Court of Appeal.
The office emphasized that any reinstatement must follow either a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive judicial ruling.
The statement stressed that the Clerk’s Office functions solely as an administrative body supporting the Senate and does not have the legal authority to review, interpret, or overturn decisions made by the legislative chamber.
The statement comes amid accusations from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team, M.J. Numa & Partners LLP, which claimed the Clerk’s Office overstepped its mandate, threatening legal and disciplinary measures in response.
Rejecting the allegations, the Clerk’s Office asserted its commitment to due process and constitutional provisions, urging respect for the rule of law as the courts deliberate the matter.
“The Clerk’s Office serves strictly as an administrative arm, supporting the Senate in line with its resolutions, Standing Orders, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended). It does not have the authority to reverse or interpret Senate decisions,” the statement read.
The outcome of the ongoing appeal case is poised to set a precedent on the interplay between Nigeria’s legislative autonomy and judicial oversight, as well as on the procedural rights of elected officials.
For now, the Clerk remains bound by constitutional principles and awaits explicit instructions from the Senate or a conclusive court ruling before facilitating any changes in Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s status.
