NASS Insider Speaks Out: Why Senator Natasha Hasn’t Returned To Work

The Clerk to the National Assembly (NASS), Kamorudeen Ogunlana, has clarified that his office does not have the authority to allow suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative duties.

The statement was 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 purely as an administrative arm, supporting the Senate in accordance 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.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on March 6 for six months over alleged gross misconduct. Although she challenged the suspension in court, the Federal High Court did not overturn the decision, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or amend it.

On September 4, the senator notified the clerk’s office of her intention to resume her legislative duties. While her letter could have been addressed directly to the Senate President, it was forwarded to the leadership of the red chamber, which noted that the matter was still pending before the Court of Appeal.

Bi-Allah expressed dismay over a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers accusing the clerk of overreach and threatening legal action.

Only the Senate Can Decide Natasha’s Resumption
He emphasized that the authority to determine whether Akpoti-Uduaghan can return lies solely with the Senate.

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

Bi-Allah concluded by urging the public to exercise patience, stressing that the clerk’s office remains guided by constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law.