Numa gives Clerk of National Assembly 5-day ultimatum to allow Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption or face legal action for contempt

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption has triggered a constitutional standoff, as her legal counsel, Michael Jonathan Numa (SAN), issued a five-day ultimatum to the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, demanding her immediate reinstatement or face court proceedings.

Also read: Senate blocks Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return over court case

Numa, in a strongly worded letter dated 10 September 2025, accused the Clerk of deliberately obstructing Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to legislative duties despite the expiry of her six-month suspension imposed by the Senate in March 2025.

He described the Clerk’s position — that she cannot resume due to a pending appeal — as a “misuse of the sub judice rule” and a breach of constitutional authority.

“Your actions are ultra vires,” Numa wrote. “The Senate became functus officio after the expiration of the suspension. You have no authority, either personally or administratively, to withhold her return.”

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumption dispute escalated after the CNA, in a 4 September letter, cited the ongoing appeal and absence of a fresh Senate resolution as justification for the continued bar on her legislative activities.

In response, Numa argued that even if the suspension were valid — which is disputed — its term expired on or about 6 September 2025, and no further legal or procedural grounds exist for her exclusion.

“Any continued denial amounts to punishing her twice for the same alleged misconduct,” the SAN asserted, warning of legal consequences.

He further warned that if Akpoti-Uduaghan is not reinstated by Monday, 15 September, he would initiate legal proceedings for contempt of court, constitutional breaches, and endangerment of peace, holding the CNA accountable in both official and personal capacity.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, was suspended earlier in the year over allegations linked to parliamentary conduct, but has consistently maintained her innocence. Her supporters argue that the move was politically motivated.

Citing Sections 68 and 69 of the Nigerian Constitution, Numa insisted that only specific conditions can warrant a Senator’s seat being vacated — none of which apply in this case.

He said the Clerk’s interference infringes on the electorate’s mandate and amounts to a “politically expedient attempt to subvert the sovereign will of the people.”

Also read: Court declares Senator Natasha suspension illegal, excessive

The controversy adds another layer to ongoing debates over legislative immunity, abuse of administrative power, and internal accountability in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Source: Read more at thesun.ng