Court Did Not Invalidate Natasha’s Suspension- CNA

Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, says the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution on the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District.

Barrister Ogunlana, who reaffirms the position of the Red Chamber, maintains that no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension.

The CNA’s position is contained in a statement titled: Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly responds to media reports on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension and attempted resumption, which was issued and signed by the National Assembly’s Director of Information, Bullah Audu Bi-Allah.

According to the statement, the Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time.

It reads: “The attention of the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly has been drawn to widespread media reports and public commentary concerning the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, her attempt to resume legislative duties, and the subsequent correspondence from her legal representatives, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP.

“In light of these developments, it is necessary to clarify the role of the Clerk to the National Assembly on this matter. The Clerk’s Office serves strictly as an administrative arm, providing support to the Senate in accordance with their resolutions, Standing Orders, and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“The Clerk does not possess the authority to review, reverse, or interpret Senate decisions.

“On 6 March, 2025, the Senate passed a resolution suspending Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. Though the matter was challenged in court, the Federal High Court did not invalidate the Senate’s resolution, and no binding order has been issued to reverse or modify the suspension.

“On 4 September, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan communicated her intention to resume legislative functions to the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, though she has the option of writing to the Senate President, which is in line with established protocol.

“In response, this office conveyed the same to the Senate leadership, who noted that the matter remains before the Court of Appeal (sub judice), and that any change in status must either come from a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court order.

“This communication was what the Clerk to the National Assembly conveyed in the letter, no more, no less. The Clerk is therefore not in a position to facilitate her resumption at this time.

“To our dismay, the Office of the Clerk received a letter from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives (M. J. Numa & Partners LLP), accusing this office of overreach and threatening legal and disciplinary action.

“While the office respects the right of all parties to seek legal redress, it must be stressed that the Clerk has at all times acted within lawful administrative limits and in faithful observance of due process.

“It must be emphasised that the determination of whether Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan can resume her legislative duties as of right without any further or fresh resolution of the Senate following the expiration of her six-month suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the Office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.

“The Office of the Clerk remains guided by the principles of constitutionalism, institutional respect, and the rule of law.

“The public is urged to remain patient and allow the appropriate institutions – including the Senate and the courts – to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.”

PR Oduyemi Odumade