Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is blocked from resuming Senate duties by National Assembly clerk pending Senate or court approval amid ongoing suspension dispute
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been refused permission to return to her Senate duties by the National Assembly clerk’s office, which stressed that only the Senate or a court can authorise her comeback amid her ongoing suspension.
Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Blocked from Senate Resumption by N’Assembly
The clerk’s office issued the statement on Monday after receiving several petitions and media reports about the suspended senator’s efforts to resume work.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate on 6 March for six months over alleged gross misconduct.
Her lawyers have challenged the suspension in court, but no final ruling has yet overturned it.
Bullah Bi-Allah, Director of Information in the clerk’s office, reiterated that the office functions solely as an administrative arm, following the decisions of the Senate and Nigeria’s constitution.
It holds no authority to overturn or reinterpret decisions made by the Senate.
Despite a letter from Akpoti-Uduaghan on 4 September indicating her intention to resume legislative duties, the clerk’s office forwarded the communication to Senate leadership, which confirmed the suspension remains valid until further Senate action or a court ruling.
The clerk’s office condemned threats of legal and disciplinary action from the senator’s lawyers, affirming its adherence to legal frameworks and urging patience as the judiciary and legislature resolve the issue.
Also read: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Misled Public on Suspension, Says Akpabio’s Aide
With no binding court order to set aside the suspension, the National Assembly clerk remains firm that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return is not authorised at this time.
