Senator Natasha Akpoti
Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has emphasized that it lacks the authority to alter or interpret Senate decisions regarding the controversial suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a matter that has sparked significant public and legal debate.
This clarification comes in response to media reports and a legal threat from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s counsel, who demanded her reinstatement to legislative duties.
“The determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties without a fresh resolution rests solely with the Senate,” stated the Director of Information for the National Assembly.
The statement, addressing the ongoing saga, underscores that the Clerk’s office operates strictly as an administrative entity, guided by the Senate’s standing rules and principles of constitutionalism.
*Natasha’s Suspension Saga**
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, was suspended by the Senate in a highly publicized decision, citing alleged violations of Senate protocols.
The suspension, which barred her from participating in legislative activities, triggered widespread controversy, with supporters arguing it was politically motivated, while critics claimed it was a necessary enforcement of Senate rules.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal advocate for her constituents and known for her outspoken stance on national issues, challenged the suspension through legal channels, asserting that it infringed on her rights and responsibilities as an elected official.
Her legal team’s recent communication to the National Assembly, threatening legal and disciplinary action, intensified the dispute, prompting speculation about her potential resumption.
The Clerk’s office, distancing itself from the controversy, reiterated its neutrality.
“Our role is to uphold institutional respect and the rule of law, not to interfere with the Senate’s constitutional powers,” the statement noted. It further called for patience from the public, urging citizens to allow the Senate and the judiciary to address the matter through established processes.
This development highlights the ongoing tension between administrative functions and legislative authority within Nigeria’s National Assembly, with Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case serving as a flashpoint for broader discussions on parliamentary procedure and political accountability.
