The clerk of the National Assembly has informed Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, that he does not have the power to reinstate her to her legislative duties.
In a statement on Monday, Bullah Bi-Allah, Director of Information at the Office of the Clerk, said the attention of the secretariat was drawn to media reports and public commentary on Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, her attempt to resume duties, and a petition by her lawyers, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP.
Bi-Allah claimed that the functions of his office is clearly administrative, meant to support the senate in line with its resolutions, standing orders, and the 1999 Constitution.
He added that the clerk has no powers to review, reverse or interpret decisions of the senate.
On March 6, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for “gross misconduct”.
The clerk noted that while the decision was challenged in court, the Federal High Court did not lift the suspension, adding that no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the resolution.
On September 4, Akpoti-Uduaghan informed the clerk of her intention to resume legislative duties.
Bi-Allah noted that while she could have addressed the letter directly to the senate president, the correspondence was forwarded to the red chamber’s leadership, which observed that the matter is still before the court of appeal.
According to him, the senate leadership maintained that any change to her suspension must be backed by either a new resolution or a definite court order.
“This communication was what the clerk to the national assembly conveyed in the letter, no more, no less,” the statement reads.
“The clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time.”
He said the clerk’s office expressed dismay over a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyers accusing the clerk of overreach and threatening legal and disciplinary action.
