(DDM) – The Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, has stated that his office lacks powers to reverse the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Ogunlana made the clarification in a statement released in Abuja through his Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah.
He explained that the CNA functions strictly as an administrative arm under the Constitution and the Senate Standing Orders.
According to him, only the Senate or a competent court of law can determine the fate of the suspended senator.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended by the Senate on March 6, 2025.
Her suspension, which was set for six months, followed heated controversies surrounding her role in legislative proceedings earlier in the year.
The issue has since generated widespread political debate, with supporters describing the punishment as excessive and politically motivated.
Ogunlana stressed that the Clerk’s office cannot intervene in such matters beyond conveying official communications.
He noted that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had written to his office on September 4, indicating her readiness to resume legislative duties.
Her letter was forwarded to the Senate leadership, but the matter was treated as sub judice.
This, he said, means the senator’s resumption must await either a fresh resolution by the Senate or a binding court judgment.
The CNA further clarified that although the matter was taken before the Federal High Court, the court did not nullify the Senate’s suspension.
He added that the case is now pending before the Court of Appeal, making it improper for any administrative intervention.
“The Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time,” the statement read.
Ogunlana reaffirmed the National Assembly bureaucracy’s commitment to due process, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
The clarification comes just days before the Senate is scheduled to reconvene on September 23.
Observers say the timing of the statement is significant as political pressure builds around the Kogi senator’s suspension.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent voice in Kogi politics, has remained vocal despite her absence from the Red Chamber.
Her suspension has drawn criticism from rights groups and women’s organizations who argue that silencing female lawmakers undermines representation.
Analysts note that the final decision will test the balance between legislative autonomy and judicial oversight.
The case also raises fresh questions about the limits of parliamentary immunity and internal discipline.
For now, the senator’s political future remains uncertain until either the Senate or the courts make a binding pronouncement.
As the Senate reconvenes, the standoff is expected to attract renewed national attention.
The unfolding development could shape both the institution’s internal politics and the career of one of Nigeria’s most outspoken female legislators.