Chinedu Akubueze, Chief of Staff to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana released conflicting statements on the postponement of plenary resumption.
Akubueze, had on Monday released a statement shifting the Senate’s resumption from September 23 to October 7, 2025.
The former Senate Clerk, now serving as Chief of Staff, issued the notice in a move viewed as exceeding his mandate and encroaching on the statutory functions of the Clerk of the National Assembly.
Hours later, Ogunlana issued his own statement, announcing the same date change but stressing that his notice was issued “by the directive of the presiding officers of both Chambers of the National Assembly.” He also clarified that committee activities would continue during the recess.
The overlapping directives have fueled speculation of a rift between both offices, coming amid lingering controversies over the suspension and reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Recall that when the Clerk was recently accused of complicity in efforts to stall the senator’s return after a six-month suspension, he issued a statement denying any involvement.
Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sealed office at the National Assembly has been reopened by Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
The office had remained locked since March 6, 2025, when the Senate enforced her suspension.
The senator had earlier notified the leadership of her intention to resume duties following the expiration of the sanction.