Situation Room Knocks Senate over Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Ordeal

•NASS Clerk: I have no power to reverse her suspension

Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) has deplored the action of the Senate in the case of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, saying that such acts pose a serious threat to the rule of law.

It described the Senate’s action as a threat to the rule of law, adding that “the continuous denial of her access to the National Assembly and resumption of her legislative duties is a denial of representation to her constituency”.

 Besides, the coalition said that Nigeria’s democracy is still being confronted by various challenges, including  institutional weaknesses, electoral distrust, and public disillusionment.

In a press conference to mark  the International Day of Democracy 2025 in Abuja yesterday, Situation Room said: “ Although some progress has been made, three fundamental principles that form the bedrock of democracy – cultural values, political leadership and the electoral process – are being confronted by systemic corruption, growing disillusionment and erosion of cultural values.”

The Convener, Situation Room, Yunusa  Ya’u, who was represented by  Mr. Celestine Odo of Action Aid- Nigeria, said that apart from economic difficulties, the country is witnessing the shrinking of civic space, systemic corruption, growing disillusionment and erosion of cultural values.

“In addition, over the couple of months, we have seen systematic attempts to decimate political opposition and render our electoral process to be a choice-less ballot for the voters.

“These tactics include state-sponsored infiltration and destruction of other political parties, harassment of journalists and punitive targeting of civil society organisations to make it difficult for them to freely operate and determination to undermine the independence and autonomy of the election management body.

“As Nigeria looks beyond 2025, the durability of its democracy will depend on bridging the gap between reform and inclusion. Deepening institutional accountability, rebuilding public trust, fostering civic engagement and national cohesion must move from rhetoric to action which will be critical to shaping Nigeria’s democratic future beyond 2027.”

A senior member of the coalition, Ms. Ene Obi spoke on the six months emergency rule in Rivers state describing it as one of the major setbacks for democracy in Nigeria in recent times.

Meanwhile, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Kamoru Ogunlana, has said he has no power to reverse the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The Clerk, made the clarification in a statement signed on his behalf by the Director of Information in the nation’s apex legislative institution, Mr. Bullah Audu Bi-Allah, yesterday.

Ogunlana’s explanation was a response to a widespread media reports and public debate surrounding the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly, her attempt to resume legislative duties, and the subsequent legal challenges.

The Senate suspended Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months on March 6, 2025. The suspension was contested in court, there has not been any binding order to reverse the suspension.

On September 4, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan notified the Clerk’s Office of her intention to return to legislative duties.

However, the Senate leadership, informed by the Clerk’s Office, reiterated that the suspension remains in effect while the matter is pending before the Court of Appeal.

Any resumption of her duties, they emphasised, requires either a fresh Senate resolution or a definitive court ruling.

The Clerk’s Office stressed that it functions solely as an administrative body supporting the Senate and does not have the authority to review, interpret, or overturn Senate decisions.

The Clerk said the role of his office was to convey decisions in line with the Constitution and Standing Orders of the Senate.

The fresh statement from the parliament bureaucracy came in response to a letter from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives, M. J. Numa & Partners LLP, accusing the Clerk’s Office of overreach and threatening legal and disciplinary action.

The Clerk’s Office firmly rejected the claims, affirming its actions were within lawful administrative limits and due process.

It urged the public and media to remain patient and respect the rule of law as the courts continue their deliberations.

The office emphasised that it will only act on clear directions from the Senate or definitive judicial rulings regarding the Senator’s status.

Part of the statement read: “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 the 6th 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 the 4th 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 the established protocol.

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

 “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 months suspension lies solely with the Senate and not with the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly.”