Why we can’t facilitate Natasha’s resumption – NASS Clerk

The Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, has said his office cannot facilitate the resumption of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stressing that only the Senate or a competent court can decide on the matter.

In a statement signed on Monday by Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, Director of Information, for the Clerk to the National Assembly, the office explained that its role was purely administrative and did not extend to reversing or interpreting Senate resolutions.

“We are therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time,” Bi-Allah declared.

The clarification comes after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended by the Senate for six months in March, wrote to the Clerk’s Office on September 4, notifying it of her intention to resume legislative duties.

The office said it merely relayed her communication to the Senate leadership, which pointed out that the case was still pending before the Court of Appeal.

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Bi-Allah emphasised that a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order would be required to alter her status.

He also expressed concern over a letter from the senator’s lawyers, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, which accused the Clerk of overreach and threatened legal action.

According to him, the office has consistently acted within lawful administrative limits and in observance of due process.

“The determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right, following the expiration of her suspension, lies solely with the Senate and not with the Clerk’s Office,” he said.

Reaffirming its commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law, the Clerk’s Office urged the public to remain patient and allow the Senate and the courts to discharge their responsibilities.